Tuberculosis cases remain high in Kerala despite awareness campaigns

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