The Hindu 26.08.2014
“Local bodies must play a role in TB eradication”
Role of local bodies was vital in identifying tuberculosis (TB) cases and referring them to government hospitals, said Joint Director of Health Services M. Ravikala.
Addressing an awareness programme on TB control measures for Dindigul Corporation councillors in 48 wards here on Monday, she said councillors had one-to-one contact with residents of their wards. They could easily identify persons with TB symptoms. The councillors should convince such cases to go to hospital for test.
It would be helpful in identifying TB cases. Early detection would reduce curing period also. The field staff could reach people to certain extent only. Many patients did not complete the six-month course of medicine, she added.
Deputy Director of Health Services S. Mangayarkarasi said TB was the fifth disease in the world to kill most number of people. Of the nine million people affected by TB, only six million cases were detected. Only when the undetected cases were identified and brought to hospital for treatment, TB could be eradicated. Moreover, two million new cases were being detected every year. In Dindigul alone more than 3,000 cases were being detected every year. The detection rate was just 68 per cent in the country. Failure in detecting the case would have a serious impact in the society because one patient will spread the disease to at least to 10 persons, she cautioned.
“Now, we have medicines, doctors and excellent medical system to save people from the disease. But the curing rate was only 25 per cent 25 years ago. Now, it is 86 per cent. TB patients are prone to HIV and diabetes. Delay in detection will lead to multi-drug resistant tuberculosis which is very difficult to treat. Private hospitals must send patients with TB symptoms to government hospitals,” she said.
Mayor V. Marudha Raj assured to extend all support to the health department in eradicating the disease.