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Respiratory Disease Prevention Unit Program - "Spiromenty Van"

Respiratory Disease Prevention Unit Program - "Spiromenty Van"
SUBMITTED FROM:

Chiesi Hellas

In January 1998, twelve people with vision, courage and enthusiasm founded in Greece the subsidiary of Chiesi, an Italian pharmaceutical company based in Parma with an enviable research work to show, especially in the field of respiratory diseases. A series of interesting products complement and strengthen the doctor's arsenal in recent years and provide reliable solutions to serious conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory distress in newborns.

Today, Chiesi Hellas having already increased its staff and sales, is a properly organized company, with a dynamic presence in the Greek Pharmaceutical market, with high growth rates that are a serious legacy for an even better future.

http://www.chiesi.gr/

 



Objective Action

Chiesi is international biopharmaceutical company focused on research, offering therapeutic options for respiratory diseases, rare diseases, and specialized care. The company aims to create Shared Value by combining business success with contributions to the common good.

In Greece, in alignment with the Group’s strategy, initiatives are being designed and implemented regarding the prevention of and public awareness about pulmonary health.

Particular emphasis is also placed on actions to bridge health inequalities in citizens' access to medical and pharmaceutical care. In our country, this issue is intensified due to the geographical landscape, resulting in many areas that are remote from urban centers having limited or no access to primary healthcare for respiratory diseases or to pulmonologists.

The goal of the initiative is to inform, enhance prevention, diagnosis, and referals for further examinations for people who are living with or are at risk of developing a respiratory condition (e.g., asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – COPD) in hard-to-reach areas of Greece. At the same time, the initiative aims to reduce inequities in healthcare by striving for fairness and equal opportunities in access to health services for all citizens.  

 

Target Audience

 The Respiratory Disease Prevention Unit program “Spirometry Van” focuses on adult smokers aged 40 and over, former smokers, and individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms (e.g. coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness).                

 

Duration

 The initiative began in 2024 and is currently in its second year of implementation (2025).


Description

 For reasons mentioned above, the Hellenic Thoracic Society (HTS), with the support of Chiesi Hellas, proceeded with the designation and implementation of the program to address diagnostic and educational needs related to respiratory diseases in various regions of Greece.

Priority is given to areas affected by natural disasters, areas lacking primary healthcare services for respiratory conditions, or areas with limited access to pulmonologists and hospitals.

The Respiratory Disease Prevention Unit Program involves the use of a van, as well as designated spaces, by pulmonologists—members of the HTS—to conduct spirometry tests for the program’s beneficiaries.

All participants also receive counseling on smoking cessation, vaccinations, and referrals for further examinations when necessary.


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Impact on Society

The impact of the initiative is particularly significant, with 14 completed visits to 14 regions across the country (Kyprinos in Evros, Soufli, Samothraki, Elassona, Kanalia Volou, Agios Georgios Volou, Mouzaki, Lamia, Ilia, Megalopoli, Aegina, Naxos, Ikaria, and Kalymnos).

A total of 1,050 individuals were examined, 150 patients were diagnosed—many of whom were previously unaware of their condition—and 40 pulmonologists participated.

Since the voices of patients are the most powerful testament to the program's value, we share the words of one individual diagnosed with a respiratory condition through the initiative:

"I had breathing issues, but I never imagined it could be something serious. I couldn’t afford the trip to the city or the cost of a doctor’s visit. When they told me I have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), I was in shock!              



Initiative Location

As previously mentioned, the actions implemented to date have taken place in 14 regions across Greece:
Kyprinos (Evros), Soufli, Samothraki, Elassona, Kanalia Volou, Agios Georgios Volou, Mouzaki, Lamia, Ilia, Megalopoli, Aegina, Naxos, Ikaria, and Kalymnos.             


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Working with Organization

For the overall implementation of the program, Chiesi Hellas collaborates with the Hellenic Thoracic Society (HTS).

Throughout the program’s duration, HTS ensures support from local authorities in each area visited, such as municipalities and communities, regional authorities, and local Health Centers and Hospitals.

A notable example is the most recent visit of the van to Ikaria island, where HTS collaborated with the General Hospital – Health Center of Agios Kirykos Ikaria and the Health Center of Evdilos to carry out the program.


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Workers Participation

Chiesi Hellas was represented by individuals from various departments—such as Medical, Marketing, and Sustainability—demonstrating cross-functional collaboration.

From the Hellenic Thoracic Society, participants included members of the Board of Directors, specialized pulmonologists, and local doctors.                                     


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Benefits for Οrganization

Chiesi Hellas remains committed to supporting initiatives that benefit both patients and society. The action carried out by the Hellenic Thoracic Society, in collaboration with the company across the aforementioned regions, holds particular significance for public health, as it is grounded in two key pillars: prevention of respiratory diseases and the accurate and timely education of the population.

At the same time, the initiative ensures that people living in remote areas of Greece gain easier access to healthcare services. This underlines a clear and powerful message: access to healthcare must be unhindered and based on equal opportunities for all citizens.

Chiesi actively invests in initiatives that go beyond its pharmaceutical products ("actions beyond the pill"), supporting the real and pressing needs of patients. By building relationships based on trust, transparency, and integrity with key partners such as the Hellenic Thoracic Society, the company successfully implements its sustainable strategy, making a positive impact across four core pillars: Patients, People, Planet, and Prosperity.




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