SignIn
Kerala Kaumudi Online
Sunday, 08 December 2024 5.40 PM IST

Tuberculosis cases remain high in Kerala despite awareness campaigns

Increase Font Size Decrease Font Size Print Page
tuberculosis

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite widespread awareness campaigns on tuberculosis eradication happening in full swing, the number of patients in the state hasn't come down significantly. According to last year's statistics, there were 19,873 tuberculosis patients in the state.

The increased likelihood of tuberculosis in diabetic patients is also raising concerns. When a diabetic patient gets infected by tuberculosis, treatment will become more difficult. It is also assessed that the social conditions during the COVID-19 period contributed to the rise in the disease rate. The lack of adequate treatment and everyone staying indoors during that time accelerated the spread of the disease. One person can infect up to 20 others. Mental stress and anxiety will also exacerbate the disease.

The Union Ministry of Health aims to eliminate tuberculosis in the country by 2025. However, there has been no significant reduction in the number of patients in several states, including Kerala. This will pose a setback to the goal of reducing the mortality rate to zero.

Treatment and Testing

  • DOTS treatment, TB preventive therapy
  • CB-NAAT, TrueNAAT testing methods
  • Mandatory testing for diabetic patients
  • Patient monitoring through the 'Nikshay' website


Central and state assistance

  • Central pension of ₹500 per month until the disease is cured, with no income limit
  • State pension of ₹1000 for those with an income of less than ₹1 lakh
  • Free medication at hospitals, regardless of income limit

Tuberculosis patients in state

2020- 20,892

2021- 20,993

2022- 21,617

2023- 19,873

TAGS: TUBERCULOSIS, KERALA
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
KERALA KAUMUDI EPAPER
TRENDING IN KERALA
TRENDING IN KERALA
X
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
We respect your privacy. Your information is safe and will never be shared.