Kerala - Kollam   

TB treatment therapy successful: health authorities

KOLLAM: Medical authorities in the district claimed that the World Health Organisation (WHO)-sponsored DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-course) therapy has proved to be highly successful in the treatment of tuberculosis.

The treatment has been in place in the district for since the past eight years. The therapy was adopted following the identification of fresh TB cases. Last year, 1912 cases were identified in the district. Kollam city topped with 575 cases followed by Kottarakara with 423 cases. In 2006, 2015 fresh cases were identified and the figure for 2005 was 2093.

At a press conference here to announce the district-level programmes to observing World TB Day on March 24, District TB Officer K. Neetha said, under the DOTS therapy a TB patient under medication would be constantly observed.

This is to ensure that the correct dosage of the drug is taken at the right time. Skipping a dose will enable the bacteria to develop resistance against the drug which in turn will lead to Muti Drug Resistant TB.

Dr. Neetha said 85 per cent of those subjected to the therapy had been cured of the disease. In the district, the DOTS therapy activities were being carried out through five centres based at

Nedungolam, Kottarakara, Punalur, Karunagapally and the District TB Centre in Kollam. Private institutions have also played a significant role in the treatment of TB through the DOTS therapy, she said. Examination of the sputum is the prime test to detect TB.

As part of observing the World TB Day, a seminar will be held at the TM Varghese Hall here for the public on Monday. This will be followed by an awareness rally and a public meeting. The meeting will be inaugurated by the actor Sai Kumar. Mayor N. Padmalochanan and

District Collector A. Shajahan will address the gathering.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

TB treatment therapy successful: health authorities
Thirunellur Kavyotsavam
MP bereaved
Netting a bigger tuna catch

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu