'If neglected, TB can be worst of epidemics'

Asha workers feted in Chikkaballapur for efforts in administering treatment

Tuberculosis (TB) is gaining attention as much as HIV and H1N1 epidemics have been paid these days, though the TB is claiming more lives than other diseases, said Dr Bhaktavatsalam, district health and family welfare officer.

He was speaking at an event organised as part of the World Tuberculosis Day at Ambedkar Bhavan in the City on Wednesday.

Out of 9,302 suspected TB patients in the last one year in the district, 1,630 cases have been confirmed, he added. Of the 1,630 patients 1,024 were cured due to timely medical care, 525 are under treatment and 81 have died, he said. Without early detection and proper healthcare, the number of patients succumbing to the disease may go up, he added.

If patient is suffering from cough for more than two weeks and suspected to have TB, should immediately consult doctors in the primary health centres or hospitals and get screened for the disease, he advised.

On being tested positive for TB, the patients should take medicines religiously and take precaution to check spread of the disease. “Patient should cover his/her mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. As many as 15 persons can get infected with the disease from one patient,” he added.

Dr K Babureddy said if no precaution is taken, TB will be a major health issue affecting people across the nation.

ZP CEO B S Shekharappa launched a signature campaign, signing on a placard that stated: “I will strive to bring death by TB to nil.”

JaChaNi Degree College Principal Nagin Ahmed, Information department assistant director Dr Kavana and representatives of various organisations were present on the occasion.

Survice recognised

Four Asha workers were presented with excellent service award for their role in providing treatment to TB patients by the District TB Prevention Centre, District Administration and other departments here on Wednesday.

At a programme organised at the Ambedkar Bhavan, Jayalakshmi of Manchenahalli Primary Health Centre in Gauribidanur, Nagamani of Alipur Primary Health Centre, in Gauribidanur taluk, Pavithra of Nandi Primary Health Centre and Shantakumari of Santhekallahalli Primary Health Centre.

Other awards

Besides, awards were also presented to Dr Raghunath of Nyamagondlu Primary Health Centre in Gauribidanur taluk, Dr Umesh of Bashettyhalli Primary Health Centre in Shidlaghatta taluk, Dr Vijayabhaskar of Chelur Primary Health Centre, Shankar Reddy of Chintamani, Kumaraswamy of Shidlaghatta, Prasanna Kumar of Bagepalli and Dr Ramachandra of Ramu Clinic were also provided awards.

“TB patients in urban areas are better placed than those living in rural areas. They get access to better medicines but, patients in villages do not have such a facility. Despite these odds, Asha workers and other medical personnel have identified the patients and managed to provide treatment for them. Their services deserved recognition,” said District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr Bhaktha Vatsalam.