Smart app to know how your lungs function

Asthma patients can now abide by their medication instructions through a smart mobile phone app, Asthma MD.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention and Astrazeneca International signed an agreement to help asthma patients in the UAE to abide by their medication instructions by using the smart mobile phone apps.
The two-year agreement will also allow 200 patients to get the latest lung function test measuring devices - also called pulmonary function tests (PFTs) - free of charge.
Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Policy and Licenses said the ministry is partnering with the private sector in drawing up a strategy that will contribute latest treatments for the patients in the UAE and improve health care for members in the society.
He spoke on the role of the ministry in circulating the initiative countrywide, and provide all potentials as well as offering the advice and instructions for the best application and the maximum benefit of the asthma patients in the country.
He said the ministry is doing its best, through these programmes and accords, to control the disease and enhance the patients' awareness on its symptoms and causes, as well as improve their commitment to medication.
Al Amiri said the agreement reflects the permanent commitment of the ministry on treating the respiratory system ailments, and work to meet the needs of asthma patients as well as reduce the burdens of treatment on patients.
AstraZeneca will provide training and technical support for doctors, nurses and technicians and familiarise them with the most modern clinical practices in treating asthma in the world.
Samir Al Halaq, chairman of Astrazenca Gulf said: "We are proud of providing A-Connect programme and we are expecting it will play an important role in improving the treatment of asthma in UAE. The company will provide 200 units for gauging and testing body lung functions every year for the asthma patients in UAE, and that figure might increase as per the need."
Asthma MD is available in Arabic and English for the users of iPhone or Android and the registered patients will get the latest apparatus for lung function tests free of charge.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai