Here act learn treat tuberculosis

The problem of drug resistant TB is also becoming widespread. A partnership between the government run programs and private practitioners and hospitals is required to eliminate the disease. Many patients go to private providers for TB care and there is a need to standardize care and follow treatment guidelines.

TB is curable in most patients but this depends on a sincere and directly observed treatment plan which is many months in duration. Close monitoring by the patient for side effects and also by their doctor is important.

General physicians or specialists like pulmonologists and infectious disease specialists are involved in managing TB. As we get better at managing our health and have high technology solutions for many medical problems the hope is that TB is also soon conquered.

Fortunately there are newer rapid tests and better medications in the pipeline. There is work on vaccines and also on better systems to prevent the spread. As a member of the public on this important day I think it would be great for people to identify people who may have a cough and suggest an evaluation if it is not improving. TB can be tested and treated in a simple manner if identified early.

Let us all join together in eliminating this disease which has affected our society, economy and productivity for decade.

(The author is a senior consultant pulmonologist with Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad)

Dr Sai Praveen Haranath