UK policy-makers face calls to better prioritise 3 million-case COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease):
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The UK's chief medical officer and the British Lung Foundation are leading calls for a National Service Framework on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In the UK, the condition affects an estimated three million people and kills more than 33,000. The economic burden of the disease on the health services is estimated at more than £800m ($1.4bn) per year, with 84% of costs seen at secondary care. Effective management can, however, reduce the burden related to emergency hospitalisation and length of stay. The issue was raised in the UK parliament on November 23, through an early day motion, sponsored by Howard Stoate MP, asking the government to make COPD a priority.