On September 13, the National Health Commission of China announced its plans to enhance the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases by integrating services for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients into the existing public health framework that also supports hypertension and diabetes care.

“I’m thrilled to see COPD officially included in the national basic public health service programs. As a healthcare professional specializing in respiratory diseases, this is invigorating news,” said Dr. Zhong Nanshan, a noted member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. He highlighted the essential role of community hospitals and township health centers in the frontline efforts of preventing and treating COPD, particularly in identifying at-risk populations, implementing smoking cessation strategies, providing long-term follow-up care, and facilitating rehabilitation.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, often abbreviated as COPD, is a widespread chronic airway condition marked by persistent cough, sputum production, and shortness of breath. If not detected early or treated properly, COPD can lead to serious complications, including acute exacerbations and even death. Currently, nearly 100 million individuals in China have been diagnosed with COPD.

The decision to include COPD in national public health initiatives aims to strengthen grassroots healthcare services and ensure that quality medical resources are more accessible to the general public. This approach allows for more convenient, efficient, and standardized healthcare services available close to home. Dr. Zhong encouraged stakeholders to prioritize raising awareness about COPD, improving understanding of the disease, and ensuring adherence to standardized treatment protocols.

Effective COPD management relies significantly on early screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Pulmonary function tests are crucial for diagnosing respiratory diseases, while inhalation medications are the standard approach for managing stable COPD. Consistent use of these medications can greatly reduce symptoms, prevent acute exacerbations, lower mortality rates, and enhance patients’ quality of life.

Dr. Zhong stated, “While there is currently no complete cure for COPD, early detection through lung function tests can make a significant difference. Adhering to prescribed inhalation therapies can help manage the disease effectively.” He advised that individuals over 40, particularly those with a history of smoking, exposure to biomass fuels, or residing in heavily polluted areas, should incorporate regular lung function tests into their annual health checkups—much like they do for monitoring blood pressure.

He further noted, “More than 90% of COPD patients in China may not take their condition seriously because their symptoms can be mild or non-existent. When the disease advances to moderate or severe stages, they may experience significant respiratory difficulties. At that point, intervention can lead to poor outcomes. Thus, we advocate for earlier detection, diagnosis, and intervention of COPD at the community level.”