Lok Sabha Question No. 3503 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Cases of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Rani Srikumar

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3503 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 TH MARCH, 2026

## CASES OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARYDISEASES

## 3503. DR. RANI SRIKUMAR:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (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, Statewise;
- (b) whether factors such as tobacco use, indoor air pollution from biomass fuel, outdoor pollution, occupational exposure and post-COVID complications have contributed towards rising incidence of such diseases, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether adequate infrastructure for COPD management including diagnostic facilities such as spirometry, pulmonary rehabilitation services, availability of essential inhalers/medicines and oxygen support is ensured at primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare levels across the country, if so, the details thereof;
- (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 management of COPD; and
- (e) the details of programmes, guidelines, budgetary support and targets set by the Government to reduce COPD-related morbidity, mortality and financial burden on patients and families?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (e) Health being a State subject, the primary responsibility of providing healthcare 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 implementation plan (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, 364 District Day Care Centres, and 6,410 NCD clinics at CHCs have been set 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 to the development of 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) and refer high-risk individuals for further screening and management.

Preventive and promotive aspects are strengthened through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which promote wellness activities, lifestyle modification and targeted communication at community level. Public awareness on NCD prevention and healthy lifestyle is promoted through 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 Youth Affairs and Sports, and yoga-related activities by the Ministry of AYUSH also contribute towards prevention of NCDs including COPD.

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 teams to strengthen clinical management and programme implementation.

*******