Health department mandates pharmacies to track TB cases

While the implementation of the programme has already started, T Natarajan, general secretary, Chemists’ and Druggists’ Association, Chennai, said, “REACH Foundation and the Greater Chennai Corporation have been working towards educating pharmacists on the importance of keeping records of tuberculosis cases. 

We have distributed circulars to all pharmacy’s highlighting the need to maintain records.” Pharmacists are expected to fill up forms with complete details of patients if medicines for TB are sold. 

“A nodal officer, too, has been appointed for this purpose. We have to submit  reports to the nodal officer once in every 15 days,” added Natarajan. 

“We used to submit records of medicines sold at our pharmacies once every month. Now, we must submit records of TB cases every 15 days. But it is a good move to have included pharmacies also in the circle of TB prevention,” said K R Ramesh, a pharmacist.      

Another member of the Association said, “We have been directing the patients to the Nakshatra clinics (set up by REACH and the Corporation). The treatment analysis and medicines are free of charge at the clinic. Apart from this, the Chief Minister has sanctioned Rs 500 per TB patient each month. This will help in the process of eradicating TB cases in the city.”

TB is considered a taboo and its eradication, hence, has turned out to be a challenge. 

“However, owing to various awareness initiatives, the public has started to understand the seriousness of its treatment. Moreover, with the medicines being provided free of charge, we can expect patients to complete their course of medication,” added Natarajan.