Latest news with #CentralTBDivision
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Sewri TB Hospital struggles to hire intensivists a year after new IRCU launch
MUMBAI: For the past year, Sewri's TB Hospital was unable to hire the three intensivists required to run its Intensive Respiratory Care Unit, forcing existing staff to work extra hours to cover the shortfall. The hospital registers between 6,000 and 7,000 admissions annually. A senior doctor at the hospital said the unit is currently being run by just one intensivist and one anaesthetist. "Apart from that, there are four medical officers for the ICU, and 37 other medical officers are available," the doctor added. Every day, the 10-bed unit has at least a couple of patients. There are also days when the unit lies vacant, but currently, the existing staff are working 12-hour shifts instead of the standard 8 hours at the request of hospital authorities. "Without the cooperation of the current staff, it would be impossible to run this unit," the doctor said, adding that stigma and fear surrounding TB continue to deter potential applicants. Another senior health department official noted that many avoid working at the TB hospital primarily because private hospitals offer significantly higher salaries. "We cannot match that," the official admitted. The hospital offers Rs 1.25 lakh to those with one year of experience after post-graduation, Rs 1.35 lakh to those with one to five years of experience, Rs 1.5 lakh for those with five to eight years of experience, and Rs 2 lakh for those with more than eight years of experience. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Especialista: truque simples antes de dormir suaviza o bigode chinês Notícias | Beleza | Mulher Saiba Mais Undo Meanwhile, the hospital is seeking recognition as a Centre of Excellence from the Central TB Division. "The hospital is already fulfilling some of the CoE criteria. We are in the process of drafting a proposal to the CTD," the senior health official said.
New Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Nearly 82 lakh people in Kerala at high risk of tuberculosis, says health department
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state health department has mapped 81.6 lakh individuals at high risk of tuberculosis (TB) as it plans pro-active measures for early detection and treatment, as part of its aim to eliminate the disease. These individuals were surveyed from 18 vulnerable groups, including people with uncontrolled diabetes, kidney ailments, past or familial history of TB, and those living in overcrowded, socio-economically disadvantaged areas, such as tribal and coastal regions. Despite a decline in overall TB cases, the disease remains a leading cause of death in the state. According to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, Kerala records six TB-related deaths every day — adding up to 2,123 fatalities annually. The state has intensified efforts for early detection of the disease. In 2023, over 21,500 new cases were identified by screening 5.44 lakh people. A recent 100-day campaign by the State TB Cell screened 53 lakh people and detected 5,588 cases. Health experts stress that detecting TB before symptoms appear is crucial to cutting transmission and reducing the disease burden. 'A patient with pulmonary TB becomes infectious once symptoms appear, particularly coughing. Unfortunately, many self-medicate or ignore symptoms, which facilitates spread. Men are more susceptible, but less likely to attend screening camps, partly due to the stigma surrounding the disease,' said Dr Aparna Mohan, WHO consultant. She warns that one symptomatic TB patient can infect up to 15 others a year. AI X-ray units In a decisive step aimed at eliminating the disease, the State TB Cell is set to deploy artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled hand-held X-ray units to screen vulnerable groups. These portable, battery-operated devices provide high-resolution imaging with low-dose radiation (6mA) and can be easily set up at local health centres, halls, or community settings — removing logistical barriers for hard-to-reach groups. 'The Central TB Division will provide two hand-held X-ray units to each district, and additional devices are being procured using CSR funds,' said state TB officer Dr K K Rajaram. Annual chest X-rays will be offered free of cost, especially targeting coastal communities whose work patterns often prevent them from attending regular camps. 'With portable X-ray machines, we can reach them on their own terms,' Dr Aparna added. If the AI analysis flags an abnormality, patients will undergo confirmatory molecular tests such as CBNAAT and TrueNAT. Those testing positive will be administered immediate treatment, in line with national guidelines. If a person is TB negative she or he may be referred to a physician to determine other cause of lung abnormality. According to the National TB Prevalence Survey, nearly 43% of cases would be missed without chest X-ray screening--underscoring the critical role of imaging in disease detection.
