National asthma action plan could halve €501m bill

A national asthma programme could reduce the €501m annual cost of asthma-related illness to the State.

Launched yesterday by the Asthma Society of Ireland, it points out that more than half of the cost — €262.1m — relates to loss of productivity because of asthma-related absences.

The Case for Change calls for an initial investment of €2.5m this year to implement of the first phase of the programme. The programme is aimed at reducing pressure on hospitals; having fewer asthma-related deaths; better control of asthma symptoms; and a better quality of life for the 470,000 people affected by asthma here.