The health department in Agra district has come across 302 patients of tuberculosis (TB) in a span of 4 weeks during a door-to-door survey in slum localities. These patients were not aware that they were suffering from the disease. The health department has started treatment besides providing each with Rs 500 per month over the six-month course of treatment.

Under the “TB free India” campaign launched in March 2018, PM Narendra Modi had set a target for complete elimination of TB by 2025. The health department is identifying cases of active TB so that the patients can be provided with adequate treatment and the spread of the disease can be prevented.

According to health department records, in 2018-19, the first round of the campaign was carried out in June. Under this, 148 new patients were identified. The second round was conducted in September and 154 patients were identified.

Chief medical officer, Dr Mukesh Kumar Vats said that in the 28-day campaign, 302 new cases of TB were identified. A third round of the campaign has been started from February 5 and will continue till February 16. As many as 225 teams, comprising of 3 members in each, will cover slum areas in different parts of the city. Additionally, 45 supervisors have been appointed. Mucus samples of suspected patients are tested. On confirmation of TB, patients are registered and course of treatment is initiated.

District TB officer, Dr UB Singh, stated that free treatment is provided to all TB patients. Rs 500 monetary assistance is also provided under the government scheme. He mentioned that nearly 7,000 active TB cases are registered with the department and they have also asked private laboratories and hospitals to share the details of TB patients. (TNN)