Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A mega campaign to test 1.5 lakh people for tuberculosis (TB) under ‘TB Mukt Indore’ is set to be launched on January 26, focusing on high-risk areas like Janjeerwala to Malwa Mill. These regions, identified for their high prevalence of TB cases, also face challenges due to widespread habits like smoking and alcohol consumption.
The TB Mukt Indore initiative by CETI (Center for Evidence-based Treatment Initiatives) and NGOs aims to support India’s national goal of eradicating TB by 2030. CETI officials have collaborated with local leaders, including the MP, mayor, and collector, to facilitate the campaign.
The campaign involves door-to-door lung testing to identify TB patients, with additional screening for conditions like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. Project manager Dr Sangeeta Pathak informed that while TB remains the primary focus, other detected lung diseases will also be treated while individuals showing TB symptoms but who had previously tested negative will be re-evaluated. The initiative will also employ the IGRA test to assess future TB risk, in collaboration with the health department’s tuberculosis wing.
Preventive treatment will be provided to those at risk. “Our goal is to identify TB patients quickly and start timely treatment,” said Dr Salil Bhargava, founder of CETI. The campaign will also receive support from Gyanpushp Sanstha, Lungs Care Foundation, and experts like Dr Manoj Jain and Dr Shailendra Jain, to ensure a robust effort toward a TB-free Indore.
