Tuberculosis patients’ discontinuing the prescribed medication for the prescribed time of six-months is the prime reason in the rising number of Extensively Drug Resistance Tuberculosis (XDR-TB) cases, said Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences Assistant Professor Karuna Murthy.
On the eve of World Tuberculosis Day (March 24), which was observed at Vasavya Mahila Mandali premises, he explained about several preventive measures to the TB patients and NGOs. “Estimated 9 per cent of XDR-TB cases are being reported among the patients of Multi Drug Resistance TB. XDR-TB is the second stage of TB disease that is found among the patients who do not take medicines for the complete six-months.” said Mr. Karuna Murthy. “It is found in many cases that patients are highly negligent in continuing the medication. The instant they feel slight better they stop due to lack of awareness,” said Mr. Karuna Murthy.
Indian Medical Association former national president Dr. G. Samaram said that “A lactating mother, diagnosed with tuberculosis, should take the medication, but she should maintain distance from children whenever she coughs to avoid communication of the di sease to her baby.” “The patient should not be subjected to discrimination by the family,” he added.
On the implementation of the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP), Vasavya Mahila Mandali Technical Support Manager B. Keerthi demanded that “The government should involve the NGOs and civil societies in implementation of the programme as it involved multiple stakeholders in prevention of AIDS.” She also stressed the great role of traditional media in creating awareness among the fisher folk and tribal communities on TB and its preventive measures.
