OBJECTIVES To investigate the basal quality of asthma management, quality of life, and asthma knowledge of asthma patients visiting a referral public Chest Hospital in Delhi, India. METHODS Asthma diagnosis was confirmed by history and reversible airways obstruction in patients referred to chest clinic. Thirty-eight asthmatic patients were interviewed using three researcher-administered questionnaires on quality of asthma management; asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ), and asthma knowledge. Of these, AQLQ is a standardized, widely available instrument. The other two questionnaires were based on guidelines-recommended management and were developed for an Indian clinical setting. RESULTS Of the 38 patients, 24 (63%) had consulted more than two doctors before visiting the referral Chest Clinic. Only 22 (58%) patients received the diagnostic label of asthma; 10% were prescribed lung function tests, and 10% patients were aware of peak flow meter assessment. Forty-two percent of patients were prescribed inhalers, while 21% patients were aware of the purpose of each inhaler. No patients were provided any educational material. One patient advised to use peak flow meter at home, and 2 (4%) patients were given a written plan to manage the disease. AQLQ has four domains: symptoms, activity limitations, emotional function, and environmental stimuli. The mean scores in all the four domains indicated a moderate degree of impairment in quality of life. The Asthma Knowledge questionnaire revealed that patients had a poor knowledge of etiology, pathophysiology, and medication as well as assessment of severity of asthma. CONCLUSIONS Study provides the evidence of ineffective patient-doctor contact, asthma management, and patient education at primary and secondary care levels. Implementation of standard asthma management is urgently needed in India. Prescriber education at all levels of health care may also improve quality of treatment. Proper patient education will enable patients to comply with treatment regimen and consequently, improve the quality of life.