Unfortunately, only 10 per cent of the total health budget was allocated to TB. But in 2007, it has been drastically reduced. Government should seriously think that priority in health sector has to be rationalised to take care of number I, II, III, IV killers of women i.e TB/anaemia/ maternal mortality and suicide.
Major shifts are required in the approach to tackle rampant TB in Indian population in more intensive. No accountability along with budget constraints causes weakening of the public health system.
It is estimated that government agencies cannot reach out to 85 per cent of countries population and people are dependent on private doctors. IMA wishes a TB-free India and expects to upscale government's effort 5-6 times by involving private sector in a big way in all the states.
The IMA launched major TB project of public-private partnership on March 24, i.e. on World TB Day, to realise its dream to check TB in the country. Every doctor and health professional should spend extra 30 minutes with patient and family to emphasise guidelines adhere to treatment, failing which the disease becomes untreatable and drug resistant.
For tuberculosis we should keep in mind that:
TB is a leading killer of the day.
It is a global emergency of today.
Spreading like wild fire, record says.
India shoulders 1/3 global load now-a-days.
Monster kills more than 1000 lives every day.
How pathetic, need not to say.
Poor, malnourished and HIV infected are its favorite preys.
But wicked hands not leave any one who comes in its way.
If cough clogs the airway for more than 21 days.
Inspite of treatment, it stays and you strive for clear airways.
Then rush for sputum exam and X-rays.
If it comes out to be TB,
Jump on to the treatment, don'tdelay.
Forget about coins, you need not to pay.
Now DOTS come with bright rays.
It is a service to patient in direct way.
It ensures cure and reduces the spread rate.
Prompt diagnosis and uninterrupted therapy,
Change the marks of weakness from morbid and gloomy lace.
(The writer is chairperson, Women wing of IMA)
