Health authorities will launch a new project to identify labourers employed in industries prone to a host of chest infections including silicosis, a form of lung infection caused by inhalation of silica dust, and tuberculosis.
The industries that expose workers to such infections include granite, cement, and stone crushing industries.
“Labourers working in high risk industries are prone to chest infections like silicosis and TB. Such interventions will help in detection and initiation of treatment of TB cases at a very early stage,” said Additional Director, Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Raja Prasanna Kumar.
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Titled as the ‘Work Place Intervention', the project aims to sensitise on symptoms and provide treatment for TB to workers in high risk industries.
Training
In this connection, the State TB Control Society is conducting a national level training programme in the capital.
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The training programme is being attended by TB control programme managers from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and officials.
Monitoring
“There is also a need for effective monitoring and supervision of TB control projects to reduce the number of drug resistant cases in the State.
At present, the services for drug resistant TB are available in 11 districts and very soon the services will be taken to the remaining districts in the State,” said State TB Officer and JB (TB), Dr. M. S. Srinivas Rao.