Rude shock: State reports 14,000 TB patients every year

Kuldeep Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, March 24

The Health Department’s target to make the state “TB-free by 2035” seems a daunting task. About 14,000 new tuberculosis patients have been detected under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in the state last year. This has revealed that there still remains a gap in the access to the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) centre and treatment of patients.

These things came to light on the World TB Day today, which was marked by a rally of schoolchildren, flagged by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. The rally started from IGMC. The state is reporting an average of 14,000 new patients every year for the last three years, revealed health officials.

Another health problem is that TB patients suffer from malnutrition and have little access to the DOTS centre, revealed the doctors.

“No doubt, the prevalence rate of TB has come down to 235 per lakh population from 465 in 1990, while the mortality rate has dropped by 40 per cent in the same period. Today, TB mortality stands at 3.5 per cent among new TB patients and the focus is now on early detection, treatment and cure,” said Dr PC Sharma, state RNTCP nodal officer.

“TB is well under control and ASHA workers are helping detect patients and monitor the treatment for six to eight months,” Dr Sharma said. Under the school health programme, an eye is being kept on TB infection and free treatment for children, he added.

The TB patients and diabetics also run a high risk of HIV infection. “We are treating migrant labourers and workers exposed to hazards of pollution and dust from mines,” he added.

The anti-TB treatment can cure virtually all patients. But the treatment should be taken a minimum of six months but relapse takes place as patients start feeling better after one-two months and leave the treatment midway, said the doctors.

The patients need counselling about DOTS, avoiding the social stigma and humiliation. DOTS should be provided at home by health providers- anganwari workers, village health guides and ASHA workers, mainly in the remote poor pockets of Parbati, Anni in Kullu, Seraj and quarry workers of Mandi, Kupvi-Doda Kuar areas of Shimla, Shillai and Sangrah area of Sirmaur, parts of Kinnaur and Kangra district and Pangi- Bharmour Tissa in Chamba district, said the doctors.