Post News Network
Telkoi, March 14: Notwithstanding the fact that crores of rupees have been spent by the government for
the eradication of tuberculosis, the killer disease is yet to be curbed in the
tribal-dominated Telkoi block in
Keonjhar district.
The disease has been playing havoc in Jhumkaposi Mundasahi, where the number of TB patients has been rising. Deprived of proper healthcare, three persons have died of the disease in the past six months, while six others have been affected. The deceased were Ram Munda, Kalia Munda and Natha Munda. The affected persons – Rabi Munda (60), Gura Munda (55), Chitra Munda (62), Madhu Munda, Meta Munda (90) and Jitu Munda – are now struggling for life without getting proper
treatment, while health officials are
allegedly not taking necessary steps to tackle the disease.
ASHA and Anganwadi workers are
responsible for identifying tuberculosis patients under the Rural Health Mission. However, sources say, they have not been performing their duties properly. The spread of the disease in the area has put a question mark on the effectiveness of the tuberculosis eradication programme and awareness drive, for which the government is annually pumping in crores of rupees. There is a provision of free medicines (DOTS) for patients for six to 12 months. Despite this, the disease has spread in the area.
Experts say there is need of sincere efforts to detect TB cases in time and make provisions for treatment of the affected persons by the authorities.
Sources of the health department said the number of patients in the area during 2014-15 was 145. In some cases, patients were also found responsible for the problem as they didn’t take necessary
medicines in time and sometimes gave up medication. The killer disease is reportedly spreading in Halia Hata, SN Pur, Goda, Purujoda, Saleikena and Telkoi panchayats.
When contacted, programme officer of the Rural Health Mission, Bijana Sahu, however, said that ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers are there to identify persons suffering from the disease. After blood test, medicines are being supplied to the patients and all-out efforts are being made for treatment of the patients, Sahu said.