FIGHTING COPD IN INDIA INNOVATIONS AND CHALLENGES

From crowded cities to remote villages, the challenge is to diagnose COPD early, treat it effectively, and make care affordable for all.

- Nehal Gautam

India's healthcare system faces a tough fight against chronic diseases like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), which is hitting more people as pollution rises and access to care remains uneven. From crowded cities to remote villages, the challenge is to diagnose COPD early, treat it effectively, and make care affordable for all. Dr. Vivek Singh, Director of Respiratory & Sleep Medicine at Medanta, Gurugram, brings a clear perspective on how to tackle this growing issue.

In an exclusive interview with Healthcare Radius, Dr. Singh breaks down how new tools and ideas are reshaping COPD care in India. He talks about the power of technology, like AI and telehealth, to catch the disease early and help patients in far-off places. He also points out the hurdles, like late diagnoses and the need for better training, and shares practical solutions, from low-cost devices to partnerships between hospitals and tech companies. With his deep experience, Dr. Singh highlights how healthcare can evolve to not just treat COPD but also prevent its worst effects, whether through smarter devices, public awareness, or teaming up with insurers to make care affordable. This conversation is a roadmap for hospitals, clinics, and businesses looking to make a real difference in fighting COPD across India's diverse landscape.

Excerpts:

How are precision medicine and digital tools reshaping COPD diagnosis and treatment?

With the use of precision tools and improved diagnostics, healthcare providers are able not only to diagnose COPD but also to stratify patients into severity groups.