HEALTH campaigners will mark World Asthma Day tomorrow with a call for urgent action by the Welsh government to address asthma treatment in Wales.

Asthma + Lung Cymru criticised the lack of support asthma sufferers receive in Wales after an annual survey revealed only three in 10 receive basic care.

Joseph Carter from the charity said: “It is unforgivable that people with asthma in Wales are not getting the support they need.

“Lung conditions are silently suffocating the NHS, pushing it to breaking point, and the lack of action is resulting in avoidable emergency admissions and preventable deaths across Wales.

“Everyone should be entitled to basic asthma care such as a yearly check-up, written asthma plan and help using their inhaler so they can help control their condition.”

The charity called on the Welsh government to make improving lung health a priority, produce a respiratory improvement plan and fully fund primary care.

A Welsh government spokeswoman said: “We have set out our expectations for the NHS delivery of respiratory care and this includes a focus on care plan provision and chronic condition management.

“The Strategic Clinical Network for Respiratory Disease is working with health boards in Wales to support improvement in the quality of care.”

The charity claimed that lung conditions were pushing the NHS to breaking point and resulting in avoidable emergency admissions.

In Wales, Asthma + Lung Cymru said just 30 per cent of people with asthma are receiving basic help, and over 60 per cent of asthma deaths could be prevented with better routine care.