SEPAR launches airway disease initiative and accredits Bellvitge Hospital

The Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) has launched the ‘SEPAR Airway Year 2026-2027’ initiative. Under the slogan ‘Listen to your breathing,’ the program aims to promote early diagnosis and integrated care for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchiectasis. These conditions share pathophysiological mechanisms and often coexist in patients.

In Spain, COPD affects an estimated 12.1% of the population, asthma 7%, and bronchiectasis 3.6%. Underdiagnosis remains a significant challenge, with an estimated 78% of COPD cases and between 20% and 70% of asthma cases remaining undiagnosed. These diseases also impose a heavy economic burden, with COPD costing the European Union approximately 38.6 billion euros annually.

In related developments regarding respiratory care excellence, the Bellvitge University Hospital (HUB) has received dual accreditation from SEPAR. The hospital’s Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit (UCRI) was recognized as a specialized unit of excellence, while its Pulmonary Function Laboratory achieved high-complexity unit status. This makes Bellvitge one of only three hospitals in Catalonia to reach these top accreditation levels.