Livasa Hospital, Mohali, has intensified its efforts to combat Tuberculosis (TB) through a 60-day awareness campaign, where its team of experts will screen TB patients at discounted prices in the hospital and create awareness in communities through screening camps and health talks. The campaign, aimed at accelerating early detection, preventing new infections, and encouraging timely notification, was launched to mark World Tuberculosis Day, which is observed on 24th March 2025.
The awareness drive will start on 24th March and continue until 31st May 2025. TB is an ancient disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Poor socio-economic status and civic conditions are risk factors for latent TB infections, in addition to malnutrition and deplorable hygiene. The BCG vaccine is commonly used to protect against serious forms of TB in childhood, but its effectiveness wanes with age. Latent TB is a significant issue, particularly among the aging population. Dr. Pawan Kumar, Director and CEO of Livasa Hospitals, remarked, “Implementing strategic changes in our approach to tuberculosis management can yield significant benefits for our communities. By embracing innovative solutions and investing in comprehensive healthcare strategies, we can effectively reduce TB incidence and enhance overall public health. This is a critical moment for us to come together and make a lasting impact.
A holistic management approach that prioritizes stakeholder engagement, efficient resource allocation, and robust policy advocacy is essential for achieving sustainable control of TB.” Dr. Sonal, Senior Consultant in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Livasa Hospital, said, “Since 2000, new diagnostics and drugs for TB have emerged, including Bedaquiline, Delamanid, and Teixobactin. These advancements have contributed to a decline in TB incidents, with cases decreasing by 16% between 2015 and 2024 in India. The National Strategic Plan (2017-2025) proposes bold strategies to rapidly decline TB cases. Despite this, the trends of increasing TB cases and drug resistance in India are disturbing.
A collaborative approach among communities and hospitals, aided by central and state governments, is crucial. TB can be diagnosed through chest X-rays, sputum tests, and other examinations. For treatment, antibacterial medicines are given for a period of six months to one and a half years.” Dr. Kritarth, Consultant in Pulmonary Medicine at Livasa Hospital Mohali, emphasized, “The Government of India is making a lot of efforts to address the problems associated with TB through various periodic programs and their implementation across the country.
Factors like lack of awareness, resources, poor infrastructure, increasing drug resistance cases, poor notification, and overall negligence are major challenges. To eradicate TB, we must enhance healthcare accessibility by dismantling systemic barriers, addressing stigma, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring affordable medications.” Dr. Suresh Kumar Goyal, Senior Director of Pulmonary Medicine at Livasa Hospital Mohali, stated, “Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs and is one of the leading killer diseases, leading to 1.3 million deaths in 2024. The disease spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits. TB is preventable if it is timely notified and diagnosed.”
