Rishikesh, January 9, 2025
Tuberculosis (TB) is no longer an incurable disease. If diagnosed in its early stages, complete recovery is possible. AIIMS Rishikesh has launched a special campaign to eradicate this disease. Under this initiative, every patient visiting the pulmonary department’s OPD is screened for TB symptoms to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
PM TB-Free India Campaign
The “Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” was launched on September 9, 2022, to intensify efforts to combat TB. This infectious disease, caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, primarily affects the lungs and spreads through airborne transmission. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been running extensive campaigns to tackle this challenge. Early detection and regular medication can help patients recover completely, but delayed symptom recognition remains a major hurdle.
AIIMS Rishikesh’s Initiative
Dr. Ruchi Dua, Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, explained that the DOTS (Directly Observed Therapy Short-course) center was established in 2017 under the TB eradication program. The pulmonary department later expanded its services to screen TB-symptomatic patients in the OPD. Monthly, around 100–120 patients with various TB complaints visit the OPD, where a protocol-driven treatment approach ensures timely care.
Key Efforts:
- Patients are screened extensively for TB symptoms.
- Specialized diagnostic tests, including sputum analysis and advanced endoscopic procedures like EBUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound) and thoracoscopy, are available.
- Treatment and diagnostic facilities are free under government programs.
Importance of Early Detection
Dr. Dua emphasized that most patients seek hospital care when symptoms become severe. Early diagnosis can prevent complications. AIIMS Rishikesh aims to provide timely treatment and raise awareness about TB symptoms.
Community Involvement Essential
Dr. Girish Sindhwani, Head of the Pulmonary Department, stressed the need for a door-to-door awareness campaign, similar to the Pulse Polio initiative. He called for collective societal efforts to ensure the success of TB eradication programs.
Symptoms of TB
- Persistent dry cough
- Coughing up sputum or blood
- Fatigue and restlessness
- Chest pain while breathing
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Low-grade fever
What to Do if TB Symptoms Appear
- Consult a healthcare provider for lung and sputum tests.
- Start treatment immediately to save the patient’s life and prevent the infection from spreading to others.
OPD Services and Facilities
AIIMS Rishikesh’s pulmonary OPD operates on Mondays and Wednesdays, providing specialized care for TB patients. The hospital also runs a dedicated TB clinic in collaboration with the state government.
Innovative Approaches
AIIMS Rishikesh leverages drone medical services to deliver TB medicines to remote areas like Chamba, Yamkeshwar, and Tehri.
Quote:
“Eradicating severe diseases like TB is a priority for AIIMS Rishikesh. Community participation is vital to achieving this goal. With state government support, we are providing free treatment and medicines to TB patients, ensuring healthcare reaches even the remotest areas.”
— Prof. Meenu Singh, Executive Director, AIIMS Rishikesh
