Telkoi: The government is pumping in crores of rupees towards its goal of realising a ‘TB-free India’ under the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP), but the money seems to be going down the drain in remote tribal pockets of Telkoi block in Keonjhar district.
The spending is proving to be highly ineffective for people living in these pockets, with the health department copping flak for not ensuring proper access to healthcare in the area.
In some areas of Telkoi block, tuberculosis is on the rise due to lack of awareness among people and ineffective implementation of the programme.
Kuladora village in Khuntapada panchayat is a case in point. The number of TB patients is rising due to alleged neglect of the health department even though a large amount funds is being spent under the programme.
An alarming fact is that almost all of the residents are afflicted with TB. The villagers alleged no help is being provided to them under the TB control programme.
Though a six-month medication course is mandatory for all TB patients, it is hardly ensured. As a result, the number of TB patients is on a continual rise.
Social activists and locals held authorities of NRHM responsible for the situation in the village, as the latter has not done anything to raise awareness regarding TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment services. Many patients do not know about this programme.
It may be noted here that as per the National Strategic Plan-2012-17, the government is pursuing a vision of achieving a TB-free country and is aiming to provide universal access to TB Control Programme.
Under the programme, TB patients are entitled to free diagnosis and treatment through the government healthcare system.
It is learnt that the condition of some TB patients in the village has turned critical. They were identified as Mahur Dehuri, Ram Dehuri, Ram Naik and Dileswar Naik.
In such a situation, there is a dire need for raising awareness on TB prevention among people while healthcare services should be provided to them immediately, locals said.
Dr Mahendra Tanti, who is part of the TB control programme, said since many TB patients take tobacco, the medication is unable to have any effect. PNN
