Listen to Story Acute respiratory infections, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, continue to challenge India's healthcare system. These are lung-related illnesses like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and respiratory tract infections. While heart disease is the leading cause of death in India, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease accounts for the second leading cause of death in the country.
According to a 2022 report , the total burden of asthma in India is 34.5 million, which is about 13.09% of the global burden.
In fact, asthma deaths in India reached 1,96,051 or 2.31% of total deaths, as per 2020 WHO data. To lower the financial burden of patients, experts have suggested voluntary vaccination among adults could significantly reduce lung infections, leading to fewer hospital admissions and easing pressure on the healthcare sector.
The total burden of asthma in India is 34.5 million, which is about 13.09% of the global burden.
(Photo: PTI) Highlighting the importance of adult vaccination, Dr Arjun Khanna, Head of Pulmonary Medicine at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said, "Respiratory infections are a major reason for hospital admissions related to lung issues. Vaccines provide a cost-effective and simple way to prevent these illnesses , saving thousands of lives and reducing healthcare costs each year." "Vaccination is also critical in curbing the spread of diseases, protecting vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with compromised imm.