The Kerala COPD Prevention and Control Programme "SWAAS"

Problem Statement

COPD is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. As per the Global Burden of Diseases estimates for India, COPD is the second leading cause of mortality in India..Assuming that the National estimates for Asthma and COPD reflect the situation in Kerala too, the numbers of COPD and Asthma among adult cases in Kerala are estimated to be 530,000 and 480,000 respectively.

Programme Description

The objectives of the Kerala COPD prevention and control program:

1. Identification of COPD in the early stages
2. Develop a structured Programme for COPD diagnosis and treatment, from primary care level leading up to the tertiary care level
3. Develop a system for generating information on disease burden of COPD
4. An indigenously developed pulmonary rehabilitation Programme incorporating department of AYUSH

Components of SWAAS programme

• Screening & Diagnosis using Spirometry
• Staging of Disease
• Guideline based Treatment for Asthma and COPD
• Provision of Inhaler medications
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme
  • Smoking cessation clinics
  • Exercise clinics
  • Depression Screening
  • Dietary Advices
• Referral & Follow up Services
• Drugs & Equipments
• The equipments including Spirometers, oxygen concentrators and drugs including inhaler medications will be procured through Non-Communicable Disease control Program.

Programme Outcomes

SWAAS clinics started in 159 Hospitals (120 FHCs + 39 Sub Districts /District Hospitals)

Financial Implications

The expenses incurred for intravenous bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics other consumables will be reduced. Since existing human resources are trained and utilized additional HR is not required for running the programme.

Scalability

The risk reduction strategies and the community level interventions in air pollution control, work place interventions, biomass fuel exposure reduction, good burning habits etc will definitely help in overall disease burden in future.

Source : We Care Coffee Table Book - Good, Replicable and Innovative Practices 2019