Thoothukudi Collector stresses TB awareness and early detection
The Hindu
Thoothukudi district screens 58,861 for TB in 2024, with 87% cured, highlighting NTEP efforts for TB control.
A total of 58,861 people from Thoothukudi district have been screened under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) in 2024, with 1,971 diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB) and 87% of them completely cured, said Collector K. Elambahavath at an awareness programme on Monday ahead of World Tuberculosis Day.
Speaking at the event organised at Government Nursing Training School, the Collector said that TB remained a significant health concern. In order to diagnose and treat the disease more effectively, the NTEP was implementing various measures by integrating modern techniques to strengthen TB control efforts.
To facilitate early detection, Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) laboratories had been established at Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital (TGMCH), Kovilpatti Government Hospital, district TB centre as well as the government hospitals in Srivaikuntam, Kayalpattinam, Tiruchendur, Sathankulam and Vilathikulam. Primary Health Centres in Pudukkottai and Keela Eral also facilitated the service. The labs enabled patients to receive the result on the same day.
Since TB and HIV formed a severe co-infection, it was crucial to provide treatment for both to reduce severity and mortality. At present, 37 individuals, both TB and HIV, were receiving treatment under NTEP. The ART centre at TGMCH provide comprehensive service for people with HIV/AIDS.
Mr. Elambahavath urged private hospitals and pharmacies to report the number of TB cases diagnosed in the district. The Tamil Nadu government was also taking various measures to reduce TB mortality rates through (Tamil NaduKaasanoi Erapilla Thittam).
“The Chief Minister has provided a mobile X-ray unit, which travels across the district, especially to areas lacking X-ray facilities, to assist in TB detection,” said the Collector.
He explained about the basic guidelines to follow in public places and symptoms of tuberculosis and urged everyone to work together to make Thoothukudi district free from TB.
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