World Tuberculosis (TB) day is being celebrated across the globe today to create public awareness about the global epidemic and efforts to eliminate the disease. This year the theme of the day is- Yes! We can end TB.
As per health experts, despite massive awareness many people getting affected by TB, which has emerged as a major health challenge across India and as well as Odisha.
The Odisha government has set an aim to make the State Tuberculosis free by 2025. For the cure of the disease, its early detection is necessary and the State government has decided to set up modular diagnostic machines in every block of the State soon.
As per Health Department sources, as many as 190 modular diagnostic machines have already been set up across the State so far. Emphasis is being given for the detection, treatment and spreading awareness about the disease. Testing facilities and distribution of medicines are provided to the patients free of cost in the State.
As per Odisha Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra, some of the symptoms of TB are weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, rise in temperature in the evening, persistent dry cough and sputum with blood tinge.
“We are providing treatment for TB in four phases in the State. In the first phase, we are detecting the disease and in the second phase we are providing treatment to the patients. TV prevention and mass awareness about the prevention of the disease is given emphasis in the next two phases,” said Mishra.
(Reported by Kapilendra Pradhan)