MUMBAI, 28 MARCH, 2023 (GPN): Tuberculosis pandemic is claiming many lives owing to the unawareness and myths surrounding the disease and its preventative measures. To End TB, Zen Multi Specialty Hospital joined hands with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Public Health Department, M west Ward and conducted an awareness session for around 45 hospital staff and 45 GP doctors on how TB spreads, its types, its prevention and treatment Aligning with the Theme for World TB Day 2023 – Yes! We can End TB And even Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

Tuberculosis (TB) happens owing to a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis which takes a toll on the lungs. But this TB bacterium can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, reproductive system, and brain. The cases of TB are rising at an alarming rate in the country leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates. Zen Multi Specialty Hospital came up with a unique initiative to help people prevent TB and lead a healthy life.

“Millions of people die due to TB infection. It is one of the leading causes of death in the country and a major health concern too. Moreover, the burden of this disease is increasing in India. TB spreads when gathering in crowds, having illness coughing, and sneezing. The tiny droplets with the germs in the air can infect another person. Many people will not even know that they have TB. Latent TB can lie dormant for years without any visible signs or symptoms. This is why it’s essential to spread awareness about as prevention is better than cure,” said Vikrant Shah, consulting physician, intensivist, and infectious disease specialist, Zen Multispeciality Hospital.

Dr Shah added, “We conducted a TB awareness session wherein the participants were educated about TB symptoms, types, causes, diagnosis, and prevention. The participants were made to understand the importance of taking medication, resting well, using a mask, sanitizing and washing hands, avoiding crowded places, eating a well-balanced diet, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. Timely treatment is key to managing TB. We hope to conduct more such interactive sessions in the future which will benefit society. We will strive to eradicate TB and help people to improve their quality of life. We also encourage everyone to contribute toward the Ni-ksya Mitra initiative launched by our honorable president which offers nutritional benefits to the TB patient. Even doctors from our hospital will be a part of the Ni-ksya Mitra initiative.

Know about the concept Ni-ksya Mitra initiative which offers community support to TB patients

Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is a program launched by the honorable president Smt Droupadi Murmu ji on 9th September 2022 to sponsor ration for TB patients. It has played a crucial role in fighting TB. The Niksya Mitra campaign is about adopting a TB patient. Helping the TB patient with additional nutrition support.

Individuals, NGOs or corporate offices, hospitals, or organizations can contribute to this campaign by supporting TB patients for a period of six months up to three years with their nutritional requirements and medicines. It is also possible to support a large number of patients at the same time. It will also be possible to select the geographical area of one’s choice or even one can support paediatric TB patients or adult TB patients.

The government has also recommended a food basket that is a minimum of 3 kgs of cereals either rice, 3 kg atta, 1 ½ kg pulses, 250 grams of oil, and 1 kg of protein powder and groundnuts which should be given on a monthly basis to every single adopted patient.Ends