5,408 TB patients reported in city this year

With a rise in Jalandhar’s Air Quality Index (AQI), an increase in respiratory ailments has been reported, particularly among asthmatics and those suffering from chronic respiratory conditions.

However, the Health Department’s sources maintain that air pollution has had only a ‘routine’ impact on tuberculosis (TB) cases, with a marginal increase recorded this year.

From January to November 2025, as many as 5,408 TB patients have been reported in Jalandhar. The Civil Hospital’s TB OPD sees between 2,500 and 2,600 patients each month, with over 10 new TB cases reported daily, the majority being men.

Of the 5,408 TB cases this year, 3,015 are males, 2,391 females and two transgender individuals. The figure also includes 321 children. This year’s numbers have already exceeded the 5,265 cases reported in 2024.

Among the patients, 106 have tested HIV positive, including 88 males, 17 females and one transgender individual.

Dr Ritu Dadra, District TB Officer, said, “Any increase in cases is only routine and there is no cause for alarm. The rise in cases is in line with the increase reported every year. We usually get 8 to 10 cases per day, which has currently increased to 10 to 15.”

Dr Dadra added, “There are exacerbations indeed in TB cases, as is the case with patients of any disease, but the cases are in line with the scenario we witness every season.”

She explained that while pollution does not directly cause TB, chronic inflammation due to long-term steroid use in COPD patients could indirectly increase the risk.

According to Dr Dadra, the district’s expanded TB screening through government campaigns and private healthcare reports has led to improved awareness and early detection.

Apart from the Civil Hospital, TB cases are also diagnosed and reported at 19 health centres in Jalandhar and Aam Aadmi Clinics, where NAT testing and microscopy facilities have been established.