Parliament Question: Cases of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases

GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE LOK SABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 3503 TOBE ANSWERED ON13TH MARCH, 2026 CASES OFCHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARYDISEASES 3503.DR. RANI SRIKUMAR: Will the Ministerof HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFAREbe pleasedtostate: (a) whether the Government has assessed the current prevalence, mortality burden and trends of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the country and if so, details thereof, State- wise; (b)whether factorssuch astobaccouse,indoor airpollutionfrombiomass fuel,outdoor pollution, occupational exposure andpost-COVID complications have contributedtowards rising incidence of such diseases, if so, the detailsthereof; (c)whether adequateinfrastructure for COPDmanagementincludingdiagnostic facilities such as spirometry, pulmonary rehabilitation services, availability of essential inhalers/medicines and oxygen support isensured at primary, secondary andtertiary healthcarelevels across the country, if so, the detailsthereof; (d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to strengthen early detection, community-level screening, public awareness, prevention strategies and training of healthcare workers for effective managementof COPD; and (e) the details of programmes, guidelines, budgetary support and targets set by the Government toreduce COPD-relatedmorbidity, mortality andfinancialburdenonpatientsandfamilies? ANSWER THE MINISTEROFSTATE IN THE MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRIPRATAPRAO JADHAV) (a) to(e) Healthbeing a State subject, the primaryresponsibility of providinghealthcare services is that of the State Governments. However, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provides financial and technical support to States/Union Territories under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) under the National Health Mission (NHM) for strengthening healthcare systems as per the state program implementationplan (PIP) based on the gap assessment undertaken by State/UT. The program strengthens infrastructure, human resources, early diagnosis, referral, treatment, and health promotion for NCDs, including cancer. Under NP-NCD, 770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units, 364District Day Care Centres, and6,410NCD clinics at CHCs have beenset up. Recognising the increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), the Government has included Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) among priority conditions under the NP-NCD. Various risk factors such as tobacco use, air pollution including indoor pollution from biomass fuel, allergens, occupational exposure, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and obesity contribute tothe developmentof COPD. Further, a population-based initiative for screening and prevention of common NCDs has been rolled out under Comprehensive Primary Health Care wherein individuals aged 30 years and above are screened. Screening and preventive services are delivered through Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Community Health Centres and District Hospitals. ASHAs conduct risk assessment using the Community Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC) andreferhigh-risk individuals for further screening andmanagement. Preventive and promotive aspects are strengthened through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which promote wellness activities, lifestyle modification and targeted communication at community level.Publicawareness onNCDprevention andhealthylifestyle ispromotedthrough observance of national and international health days and through print, electronic and social media campaigns. Initiatives such as promotion of healthy diet by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Fit India Movement by the Ministry of YouthAffairs andSports, and yoga-related activities by the Ministry of AYUSH also contribute towards prevention of NCDs includingCOPD. In addition, a Technical Expert Group under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) provides guidance on COPD protocols and supports capacity-building of healthcare providers under NP-NCD. DGHS also conducts regular webinars and training programmes for State and District NCD teamstostrengthen clinical managementandprogramme implementation. *******