China Expands Public Health Program; Adds COPD to Raise Awareness, Diagnosis
China has added chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to its basic public health service program, a move that is expected to raise awareness and improve treatment capabilities at the grassroots level.
COPD, a chronic condition that impairs airflow and breathing, affects around 100 million people in China and causes one million deaths annually.
The decision, made in September 2024, aims to address the growing health burden. The program, which already covers high blood pressure and diabetes, will offer free regular checkups and health management services for COPD patients. This initiative is seen as vital in improving public knowledge, as a decade-old survey revealed that only 9% of participants recognized COPD, compared to over 60% for high blood pressure and diabetes.
Yang Ting, deputy director of the National Center for Respiratory Medicine, emphasized that the inclusion of COPD in the program would promote early diagnosis and treatment. It is also expected to enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities at local health facilities, reducing the need for patients to seek care at major hospitals.
It was also noted the importance of connecting hospital-based therapies with home-based health management to ensure better care for patients, many of whom had previously neglected medication regimens. The program likewise aims to integrate healthcare resources for respiratory diseases, including initiatives such as lung function exams for smokers to detect early signs of COPD and encourage smoking cessation.
Source: ChinaDaily
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