Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that most often affect the lungs. India has the highest number of TB cases in the world, according to the World Health Organization. But TB is preventable and curable, and tests and treatment are free under the government programme. Here is what to know.
How TB spreads
TB spreads through the air when a person with active lung TB coughs, sneezes or speaks. Not everyone infected falls ill. People with weak immunity, such as those with diabetes, HIV, malnutrition or who smoke, are at higher risk.
Common symptoms
- Cough lasting more than two weeks.
- Fever, especially in the evening.
- Night sweats.
- Weight loss and loss of appetite.
- Coughing up blood.
- Chest pain and tiredness.
TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes, bones and the brain, with different symptoms.
Free testing
Anyone with symptoms can get tested free at government health facilities. Tests include:
- Sputum tests and rapid molecular tests like CBNAAT and Truenat, which also detect drug resistance.
- Chest X ray.
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Free treatment
- TB is treated with a combination of medicines, usually for six months for drug sensitive TB.
- Medicines are provided free under the National TB Elimination Programme.
- Drug resistant TB needs longer or special treatment, and newer shorter regimens have been introduced.
- Completing the full course is essential. Stopping early can lead to drug resistant TB.
Support for patients
- Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana: TB patients receive financial support for nutrition through direct benefit transfer. In 2024, the government raised this support to Rs 1,000 a month during treatment.
- Ni-kshay Mitra: individuals, companies and groups can adopt TB patients and provide food baskets and other support.
- Patients are tracked and supported through the Ni-kshay portal.
Expert view
Dr Soumya Swaminathan, a TB researcher and former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization, is among experts who have stressed that early diagnosis and good nutrition are key to beating TB in India.
Prevention
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Keep homes well ventilated.
- Get tested early if you have symptoms or live with a TB patient.
- BCG vaccination is given to infants in India to protect against severe forms of childhood TB.
- Household contacts of patients may be given preventive treatment as advised by doctors.
TB Mukt Bharat
The government has run campaigns such as the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to find and treat cases faster, with a goal of ending TB as a public health problem.
Bottom line
A cough of more than two weeks needs a TB test. Testing and treatment are free, and with the full course of medicines, TB can be cured.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor before starting any treatment or if you have symptoms.
Source / स्रोत: National TB Elimination Programme, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ni-kshay portal, World Health Organization
