South Korea experts call for improved COPD management and drug coverage

Following the introduction of lung function tests in national health screenings this year, medical experts and patient advocates are calling for a comprehensive management system for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in South Korea.

At a recent policy forum hosted by the Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, experts noted that while screenings are expected to identify 150,000 to 200,000 new cases annually, a gap remains in connecting these diagnoses to continuous care. Key recommendations include establishing a reimbursement system for inhaler education and expanding health insurance coverage for biological agents used to treat severe cases.

Patients and advocacy groups highlighted the significant economic burden of the disease. Severe COPD patients face high costs for new treatments, such as Dupixent, which can reach approximately 1.5 million won per month. Representatives urged the government to implement special calculation systems for severe patients to prevent them from abandoning treatment due to financial hardship. The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service indicated they are currently reviewing drug pricing and cost-effectiveness to potentially expand coverage.