A cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification testing (CB NAAT) laboratory, used for diagnosing multi drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), was inaugurated at the District Headquarters Hospital here recently.
Screening
Under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme of the Central Government, the facility was made available for screening patients with symptoms at the initial stage.
Patients can be diagnosed for MDR-TB only after six months of treatment.
Collector V. Dakshinamoorthy inaugurated the facility at the hospital in the presence of Joint Director of Medical Services Vasuki, Deputy Director of Health Services R. Gemini, and Superintendent of the hospital J. Mohan.
A campaign board that stresses for early diagnosing and treatment of tuberculosis was also inaugurated on the premises on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day. Students took out an awareness rally.
Doctors said that 33,663 patients were identified for tuberculosis in the past 13 years in the district, of which 28,723 were cured after regular treatment.
In 2014, 1,722 patients were identified and were undergoing treatment, they added.
They said that mycobacterium tuberculosis caused TB and about 15 lakh people died every year across the world. “Best treatments are available in all Government hospitals,” they added.
