TB Awareness Rally Held in Nagarkurnool
On World Tuberculosis (TB) Eradication Day, District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) Dr. K.V. Swarajyalakshmi led an awareness rally in Nagarkurnool. The event took place at the District Parishad Office (Old Collectorate) on Monday. After the rally, she administered a pledge to the medical staff, urging them to work together to eliminate TB.
Dr. Swarajyalakshmi stressed the importance of early detection and treatment of TB. She explained that symptoms such as a persistent cough lasting over two weeks, evening fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, and blood in sputum should not be ignored. She encouraged people experiencing these symptoms to get tested immediately.
As part of the Prime Minister’s TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, 100-day Nikshay Shivirs (health camps) were conducted throughout the district. A total of 250 camps were held, screening 1,37,325 people, including diabetics, smokers, TB patient family members, and alcoholics. During these camps, 7,717 X-rays, 2,061 CB-NAAT tests, and 250 microscopic tests were conducted. As a result, 511 new TB cases were identified, and the patients were immediately started on treatment.
Dr. Swarajyalakshmi assured that TB is completely curable with continuous treatment and proper nutrition. To support TB patients, ₹1,000 is deposited into their bank accounts every month for nutritional needs. Additionally, under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Apollo Hospitals and Natco Pharmaceuticals have joined as Nikshay Mitras, providing monthly nutrition kits to help patients recover faster.
She also mentioned that this year’s World Health Organization (WHO) theme is “Yes, We Can End TB.” As part of the 100-day Nikshay Shivir campaign, Raj Kumar from Nagarkurnool district was awarded Best Senior Tuberculosis Laboratory Supervisor (STLS) by Regional Director Dr. Anuradha and Joint Director Rajesham.
Many officials and healthcare workers attended the event, including Deputy DMHO Dr. Venkata Das, Program Officer Dr. Ravi Kumar, Medical Officers Dr. Santosh Abhiram and Dr. Vani, DPO Renayya, supervisory staff, STS Srinivas, Arif Khan, Mukhtar, STLS Raj Kumar, and Lab Technician Satyareddy.
