653 tuberculosis cases detected in Dakshina Kannada since January

As many as 1,014 patients are undergoing treatment in the district for TB, District TB Officer Dr Badruddin said

A total of 653 Tuberculosis cases had been detected and notified in Nikshay portal in Dakshina Kannada (DK) district from January this year. This includes 544 cases from government hospitals.

As many as 1,014 patients are undergoing treatment in the district for TB, District TB Officer Dr Badruddin told mediapersons. DK district registered a gradual decrease in number of tuberculosis cases in 2020. Dr Badruddin said that Covid-19 restrictions could be one of the reasons for decrease in number of cases in 2020. The district had reported 3,256 cases in 2018 and 3,439 in 2019. Bur number of cases reduced to 2,472 in 2020.

The possibilities of spread of tuberculosis is less when people wear masks, Dr Badruddin explained. The World TB day will be organised jointly by district administration, department of health and family welfare, TB control officer’s office and Fr Muller’s Medical College at the Decennial memorial hall on March 24 (10.30 am). The theme for this year’s TB day is ‘clock is ticking.’ The health department has roped in actor Aravind Bolar to be its goodwill ambassador of tuberculosis eradication campaign, he said

Read | As Covid-19 rages, world risks losing tuberculosis gains

There is a need to create awareness on TB among the people. Patients with symptoms will be sent for sputum examination and chest X-ray. If they test positive, they will be registered under Nikshay (Health Ministry’s registry) in order to keep track of progress of patients from diagnosis to treatment. “In the past, patients suffering from TB had to undergo two to three years of treatment. Now, they are cured within six months. But patients need to follow regular treatment, he stressed.

To support the nutritional needs of TB patients, direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme for supporting nutritional support of Tuberculosis (TB) patients — Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) was launched by the government. Under this scheme a patient gets Rs 500 per month for their nutritional requirements.

TB cases notified in Nikshay

2018 - 3,256

2019 - 3,439

2020 - 2,472

2021 (till date) - 653