Palpa’s Fight Against Tuberculosis Faces Setbacks Despite Efforts
Health News, Palpa – In the current fiscal year, 188 new tuberculosis (TB) cases have been detected in Palpa district over the past eight months. The Health Office has reported that TB cases have been found in all ten municipalities of the district.
According to the office, last year 363 TB cases were detected, while this year 188 cases have been found in the first eight months, and all of them are under direct monitoring and treatment. Among these, the highest number of TB patients were found in Tansen (40), Rampur (37), Rainadevi Chhahara (19), Mathagadhi and Nisdhi (18 each).
Additionally, 15 TB cases were found in Purkhola, 12 in Tinau, 11 in Bagnaskali, 10 in Ribdikot, and 8 in Rambha, the Health Office reported. Last year, 13 people died due to TB, with the highest number of deaths (4) occurring in Rampur. TB-related deaths were also reported from other municipalities. In the first eight months of this year, 14 people have died. These deaths were primarily due to patients not taking regular medication or failing to show up for health check-ups after being diagnosed with TB.
The district has not seen the desired success in reducing the number of TB patients. Looking at the situation over the past 18 years, the number of TB patients seems to have remained stable. In some years, the number has increased, while in other years, it has decreased slightly. According to the Health Office, from the fiscal year 2006/07 to the present, 8,825 people have been infected with tuberculosis in the district. Over these 18 years, there has not been a significant reduction in the number of cases.
Based on the statistics of the past 18 years, the Health Office had set a goal to reduce the number of cases significantly by 2035, but doubts have started to emerge about whether this target will be achieved. Tuberculosis is a communicable disease spread through the air, caused by a microorganism called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, explained the Acting Chief of the office, Tukprasad Pokhrel.
All municipalities in the district have sputum testing equipment. There are 72 TB treatment centers, 12 microscopy centers, and 2 GeneXpert testing centers in the district. The GeneXpert testing is only conducted at the United Mission Hospital in Tansen and Lumbini Medical College.
Municipalities in the district have set up facilities for regular, free treatment and medication for TB patients. Those suspected of having TB can undergo sputum testing in their municipality.
