WANA (Oct 16) – The head of the Iranian Scientific Association of Pulmonologists announced that they are facing serious difficulties in obtaining two essential drugs for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, as the United States has placed sanctions on these medications.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 11th National Congress on Adult Lung Diseases, Mostafa Ghanei said: “Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are currently among the most common respiratory problems in the country. We have set a goal to reduce the incidence of these diseases by 50 percent through lowering cigarette consumption and air pollution.”
He explained that these diseases have no clear preventive method, adding: “The best way to combat them is through effective treatment. Those suffering from respiratory diseases often experience sleep disorders due to shortness of breath, which also disrupts their lifestyle, work performance, and social activities.”
Regarding the availability of respiratory medications, Ghanei stated: “Inhaled drugs are both produced domestically and imported from abroad, but we have encountered serious problems in supplying two key medicines for asthma and COPD patients because the United States has imposed sanctions on them.”
Ghanei, who also serves as Secretary of the Biotechnology Headquarters of the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology, added: “Due to exchange rate fluctuations over the past two years, drug pricing has changed, but insurance coverage has not increased proportionally. As a result, out-of-pocket expenses for respiratory patients have risen significantly, and stronger financial support for these patients is urgently needed.”
He also highlighted the role of air pollution in aggravating lung diseases, saying: “Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns poses a severe threat to lung health. In Tehran, the average concentration of these particles is nearly 30 times higher than the permissible limit.”
A nurse tending to a child who has contracted the coronavirus at Hazrate Ali Asghar Hospital in Tehran, Iran September 27, 2020. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)