Steps must to check TB scourge

Fresh statistics about the prevalence of tuberculosis in the country are a cause for concern. The disease has been called the silent killer and it has historically been one of the major causes of death. Union Health Minister J P Nadda’s recent statement on the incidence of the disease shows how TB continues to be a serious threat. He said that about 2.1 million fresh cases appear in the country every year. This is supported by the WHO’s estimates also. Two people die of the disease every three minutes. The minister also revealed that 40 per cent of the Indian population is infected by the tuberculosis bacteria. This does not mean that all the infected persons suffer from TB. But the latent presence of the bacteria on such a large scale is disquieting. It can grow into full disease in favourable conditions. India also accounts for 25 per cent of the people infected with the bacteria in the world.

Tuberculosis was only recently considered a disease of the past. Preventive and curative treatment and sustained campaigns to create awareness about the disease and the need to go in for treatment have produced results. It was once considered an incurable disease. But there are effective methods of treatment now. Programmes for management of even drug resistant forms of TB are implemented in the country. The National Tuberculosis Control Programme is one of the oldest public health programmes. Diagnosis and treatment of the disease is free but it has still not been brought under complete control even after decades. Experts have felt that both the public sector and the private sector health facilities have to be further strengthened to deal with the threat of TB. Diagnosis has to be made in time and treatment should start immediately. This does not always happen. The diagnostic facilities also need to be upgraded in most places. Consistency of treatment and monitoring of its progress are important. There are failures in these respects also.

Though tuberculosis bacteria infects people of all social and economic classes equally, it has been observed that those from poor socio-economic background are much more likely to be affected by the disease. The campaign and the fight against the disease should be tailored to this reality to a greater extent than at present. The experiences of other countries, which have succeeded in controlling the disease should also be a guide. Enhanced nutrition, better living conditions and cleaner environment have served as supportive factors in the fight against the disease. India can learn from this.