New AI initiative aims to help Nepali patients breathe easier
The program, designed as a three-month (90-day) intervention, utilizes a chatbot to send personalized daily reminders via WhatsApp to ensure patients consistently follow their inhaler treatment.
KATHMANDU: Cipla Limited, a leading global pharmaceutical company, has announced the launch of an AI-powered initiative called “Breathefree 90” in partnership with the Nepal Respiratory Society, aiming to enhance inhaler adherence among respiratory patients in Nepal.
The program, designed as a three-month (90-day) intervention, utilizes a chatbot to send personalized daily reminders via WhatsApp to ensure patients consistently follow their inhaler treatment.
The initiative comes at a crucial time when respiratory illnesses such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are on the rise in Nepal, largely due to worsening air pollution, which is responsible for approximately 50,000 deaths annually in the country.
Despite the availability of effective inhaler-based treatments, poor adherence remains a significant barri to improved health outcomes.
“Breathefree 90” not only delivers timely reminders but also provides patients with educational content on proper inhaler use and disease management, empowering them to better manage their conditions. Patients can easily enroll in the program by scanning a QR code available at clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies. With patient consent, the chatbot sends interactive messages tailored to their treatment schedules.
Swapn Malpani, CEO of Emerging Markets and Europe at Cipla, said the program reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to using next-generation technology to make a real difference in patient care. “We are working to improve how people live with chronic respiratory conditions, and Breathefree 90 is a big step in that direction,” he said.
The Nepal Respiratory Society will promote the program among healthcare professionals, integrating it into clinical practice while facilitating patient enrollment and driving awareness.
The collaboration highlights Cipla’s leadership in respiratory health and its mission to empower patients with the tools and knowledge they need to breathe easier and live healthier lives.
