City records 278 TB deaths in 2 years
Despite initiatives like National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) run by the government to make India TB-free, the disease remains a serious concern. In Chandigarh, hospitals have reported 278 deaths out of 12,606 patients battling with TB in the past two years. Unfortunately, 149 people succumbed to it in 2023, while another 129 lost lives till October this year.
Director, Health Services, Chandigarh, Suman Singh confirmed that when collating data of TB patients, this is the number of patients diagnosed with TB at city hospitals or dispensaries and also those who are being treated for TB and registered for its medicine programme DOTS. Most of the cases reported are of people belonging to other states who were diagnosed late.
According to doctors, the lack of awareness and neglecting symptoms are primary reasons for TB-related deaths. Delayed diagnosis allows the disease to progress, making it incurable. Moreover, living in polluted areas also increases the risk of contracting TB, which is particularly concerning, given Chandigarh’s rising pollution levels reported post Diwali.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the Rajya Sabha was questioned on the status of TB in the country. In response to that, the ministry provided state-wise data on number of cases, deaths and also percentage of cases and deaths against different age groups to understand it better. The source of information was Ni-ksay, a web-based platform and app that manages the TB programme in India.
According to the report, patients above 60 years are most vulnerable as the TB death rate percentage is higher for this age group, 15 per cent in 2023 and 9 per cent in 2024 till October under the NTEP. Alarmingly, on an average 2.35 per cent from the total reported TB deaths in these two years are of children in the 0-14 year age group.
Experts warn that persistent coughs, phlegm, chest pain, weakness or fatigue can be indicative of TB, emphasising the need for prompt medical attention.
How to prevent TB
Children should receive the BCG vaccine within a month of birth. TB patients should cover their mouths while coughing, sneezing or laughing and should wear surgical masks when interacting with others as it’s a communicable disease transmitted through air. A balanced diet, regular yoga and frequent handwash can boost immunity. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor immediately.
Action plan
The Government of India has implemented initiatives like the National Strategic Plan (2017-2025) aimed at eliminating TB by 2025. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) under the aegis of the National Health Mission (NHM) to combat TB. However, despite these efforts, the goal of TB eradication remains elusive.
