A major concern for doctors remains women suffering from tuberculosis (TB), since they hesitate to come forward for treatment because of social stigma attached to the disease.
A major concern for doctors remains women suffering from tuberculosis (TB), since they hesitate to come forward for treatment because of social stigma attached to the disease.
Dr Zarir Udwadia, chest physician, PD Hinduja Hospital, said, “Women still don’t come forward for treatment. Many times, they tend to ignore their health. More awareness is required on this front.”
Dr Yatin Dholakia, secretary and technical advisor, Maharashtra State Anti-TB Association, added, “We, along with the NGOs, are conducting community awareness programmes. The disease can be uprooted only when people come forward and aggressively fight the disease, and for this women can play a major role.”
Apart from women, a rising number of youngsters are contracting TB.
Experts suggest that those between the ages of 15 and 30 are most vulnerable, mostly due to poor health from irregular living and excessive weight loss. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) records, about 60% of TB-affected are between the ages of 15 and 45.
Dr Ramraje Nagsen, head of department of the TB and chest department at JJ hospital, said, “Normally, after taking medicines for a few weeks, people think they are better and discontinue the medicine. This should be avoided in TB. They should adhere to the treatment, follow up with doctors and in case of complications, should immediately report it. Only awareness can help us get hold over the disease.”
“The 2010 report of the Revised National TB Control Programme states that 20% of TB cases in the world are from India. And, as of 2010, Mumbai has 16% of sputum positive suspect cases, with 55% being new sputum positive and 33% being smear positive re-treatment cases,” he added.
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