Tuberculosis camp held at Tsunami Quarters

“We question the families and if there is a possibility of collecting sputum samples, that is done and sent for analysis immediately. We have Senior Treatment Supervisors (STS) and lab technicians on the field, who will be supervised by the Senior TB Lab Supervisor, as they analyse the samples at the earliest,” said Dr Lavanya J, Programme Officer, RNTCP.

The idea, she added, was to take a proactive effort towards tackling TB. “We don’t want to skip anybody. There may be people who are unable to visit the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) but may be affected by TB. Unless we go to the community, we cannot deal with that. Before the drive, we made announcements to the public through the PHCs. People who are diagnosed with the symptoms will be treated at the PHCs or Communicable Diseases Hospital in Tondiarpet. This drive will be conducted across the city, among the vulnerable population,” added Dr Lavanya.

Meanwhile, the Corporation is also conducting awareness programmes in educational institutions, slum areas, commercial establishments and crowded places. The civic body is also providing a monetary assistance of Rs 1,000 to persons who have been diagnosed with symptoms, as they will have to be on medication for six to eight months.