300 tuberculosis patients identified in a span of 4 weeks

AGRA: The health department in Agra district has identified 302 patients of tuberculosis (TB) in four weeks during a door-to-door survey in slum localities. These patients were not aware that they were suffering from of the infectious bacterial disease. The health department has started their treatment besides providing each with Rs 500 per month during the six-month course of treatment.
Under the “TB free India” campaign launched in March 2018, PM Narendra Modi had set a target for complete elimination of tuberculosis by 2025.Working in this regard, the health department is identifying active TB cases so that the patients can be provided proper treatment and the disease can be prevented from spreading.
According to health department records, in 2018-19 the first round of campaign was conducted from June 11 to 29. In this, 148 new patients were identified. The second round was conducted from September 4 to to 14. In this 154 patients were identified.
Chief medical officer Dr Mukesh Kumar Vats said, “In the 28-day campaign, 302 new cases of TB were identified. Now, a third round of the campaign has been initiated from February 5 onwards. It will continue till February 16. As many as 225 teams comprising three members in each have been constituted to cover slum localities in different parts of the city. Besides 45 supervisors have been appointed. Samples of mucus of suspected patients is tested. On confirmation of TB, patients are registered and course of treatment is initiated.”
District tuberculosis officer Dr UB Singh said, “All the TB patients are provided free treatment. Besides Rs 500 monetary assistance is provided under the government scheme. Around 7,000 active TB cases are registered with the department. We have also asked private laboratories and hospitals to share details of TB patients.”
According to doctors, signs and symptoms of active TB include coughing that lasts three or more weeks, coughing of blood, chest pain or pain with breathing or coughing, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats, chills and loss of appetite.