In a recent interview, Chinese Academy of Engineering academician Zhong Nanshan expressed his enthusiasm about the inclusion of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the national basic public health service directory. “For decades, my colleagues and I have worked tirelessly for the respiratory health of the public,” Zhong stated on October 26 during the 2024 Qingdao Respiratory Industry Conference, which gathered over 90 experts, scholars, and industry representatives in the field of lung health. “The shift in focus from treatment to prevention, emphasizing early diagnosis and treatment, marks a significant change in our approach to healthcare.”
The conference, held both online and offline, provided a platform for participants to exchange insights and ideas aimed at advancing respiratory medicine. Zhong highlighted the pressing challenges posed by COPD, characterized by “three highs and three lows”: high prevalence, high mortality, and a high socioeconomic burden, alongside low awareness, low diagnosis rates, and low adherence to standardized treatment. He emphasized that early screening, diagnosis, and treatment are crucial for effectively combating this disease. Unfortunately, due to subtle early symptoms, many patients fail to receive timely diagnoses, missing critical windows for effective treatment and burdening families and society.
As the aging population grows, the need for effective management of chronic respiratory diseases like COPD becomes increasingly urgent. The recent inclusion of COPD in the national public health services explicitly calls for follow-up services for diagnosed patients. Local healthcare institutions will now create health records for these patients and conduct regular follow-ups, offering guidance, tracking progress, and providing routine examinations to ensure early management of the condition.
Zhong also pointed out that innovation remains a vital driver for progress in the healthcare sector. Recent advancements in digital health, medical devices, and interventional therapies have significantly improved the diagnosis and treatment levels for respiratory diseases in China, leading to enhanced quality of life for patients. Looking ahead to 2024, the respiratory health field is poised for crucial breakthroughs, particularly in targeted precision treatments for severe asthma, which greatly increase the chance for patient improvement. Additionally, promising new research and innovative treatment options in lung cancer are providing patients with more choices and renewed hope.
