Post News Network
Kendrapara, Feb, 9: Even as timely treatment has significantly increased the chances of recovery from tuberculosis (TB), the death of 66 persons due to the disease out of 9,534 affected in the district in the past 11 years has become a cause of concern for health officials.
The Centre and state governments have taken various steps to contain the disease with doctors claiming that regular intake of medicines can ensure recovery within six to eight months.
The Centre is even providing free medicines under DOTS (directly observed treatment, short course) for eradication of the disease through various government hospitals. However, the death of 66 persons despite undergoing treatment under DOTS has indicated serious flaws in the system. The disease is spreading its tentacles in coastal blocks like Mahakalapara, Rajnagar and Rajkanika of the district.
In the past, people getting affected by TB used to go through untold sufferings without proper treatment. People didn’t even mind ostracising the victims and their families from the community. However, continuous research in the field found treatment methods for the disease. The DOTS method proved highly effective.
Sources said the DOTS method of treatment was introduced in the district in 2003 under the National Health Mission. The same year, doctors conducted a health-check up of 1,025 patients and identified 314 persons afflicted with the disease.
In 2004, 847 persons were found affected out of 3,910 who underwent check-up; 769 out of 4,180 in 2005; 818 out of 4,611 in 2006; 917 out of 5,614 in 2007; 878 out of 4,836 in 2008; 885 out of 5,664 in 2009; and 903 out of 5,794 were found affected by TB in 2010. Similarly, 864 out of 6,323 persons were found affected by TB in 2011; 761 out of 6,785 in 2012; 795 out of 7,447 in 2013; and 783 out of 7,849 in 2014. Due to lack of awareness, many of the patients have failed to avail
treatment.
District manager of NHM Mirza Babar Beg said lack of awareness among the people has led to the increasing number of TB deaths.