May 7th 2024.
In Berhampur, a district in India, tuberculosis is becoming a growing concern, following the already prevalent HIV AIDS. Over the course of three years, a staggering number of 18,669 individuals have been diagnosed with the bacterial disease. Unfortunately, the spread of this disease has been made worse by the limited supply of free medicines provided by the Union government. This has resulted in many people facing the risk of death as they struggle to obtain the necessary treatment. In the past, TB patients were able to receive free medicines on a monthly basis, but now, essential medicines are not available in sufficient quantities due to disruptions in the supply chain by the Union government. As a result, the district health department has resorted to purchasing medicines from various pharmaceutical companies in case of emergencies, and delivering them to the patients. However, even with this solution, patients are still facing difficulties as they are required to consume 10-12 tablets due to the unavailability of medicines with specific compositions that they used to receive before. It is estimated that thousands of patients are diagnosed with TB in this district every year, and the rapid spread of the disease is largely attributed to the migration of the district's residents to other states in search of better opportunities.
Health officials have also noted that individuals infected with HIV have a 70 per cent chance of being afflicted with TB, as their weakened immune system makes them more susceptible to the disease. TB is primarily spread through coughing and sneezing of an infected person, making it highly contagious. However, early detection and treatment of the disease can help save lives. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, the disease has reached an endemic level in blocks such as Khallikote, Kodala, Polsara, Bhanjanagar, Chhatrapur, Jagannathprasad, and Aska in the district. The numbers speak for themselves, with 5,600 TB patients identified in 2021, 6,480 in 2022, and 6,589 in 2023.
To address this issue, the district administration has implemented various projects to combat the disease. Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, affected patients can undergo examinations and receive free treatment and medicines for a complete recovery. Additionally, they are also provided with Rs 500 as financial assistance to support their nutrition, which is crucial in fighting the disease.
Unfortunately, the disruption in medicine supply has caused immense suffering for the patients. This problem is not limited to Ganjam district alone, as other districts in the state are also facing similar challenges. To make matters worse, TB medicines are not readily available in private drug stores as the Centre has been supplying free medicines for many years. As a result, patients are often left disappointed when they visit private pharmacy stores in need of TB medicines. It is a dire situation that requires immediate attention and action to ensure that patients receive the necessary treatment and care they deserve.
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