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Let’s join hands and fight TB together: Association of Hospitals

Mumbai, 22nd March, 2017: Tuberculosis an infectious disease that usually affects the lungs, is the second biggest killer globally, compared with other diseases caused by a single infectious agent. In order to create better awareness about this deadly disease 24th March 2017 is observed as World Tuberculosis Day by the World Heart Federation.

Ahead of World Tuberculosis Day, as the world unites to end TB through better awareness Association of Hospital (AOH) calls on the authorities from member hospitals and general population to redouble their efforts and work together towards controlling tuberculosis and to move faster toward elimination of the disease with updated knowledge about the disease.

Mr. Gautam Khanna, Vice President for the Association of Hospitals, while suggesting measures said “Tuberculosis today remains an epidemic causing the deaths of nearly one-and-a-half million people each year, mostly in developing countries. This vicious disease requires adequate awareness of the symptoms and medication. World TB day is an important occasion that provides us the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to continue fighting tuberculosis and prioritize its control as a first step toward eliminating this public health problem.”

“In order to meet the stated deadline we need some serious political and financial commitment for developing new vaccines, diagnostics and treatments that is fit for the purpose (like the successful fight against polio and smallpox in the past). The biggest hindrance in the way of eliminating tuberculosis is lack of awareness despite a dedicated national programme and high medical cost associated with the treatment” he further added

According to World Health Organisation Global TB Report 2016 India accounts for 2.8 million of the 10.4 million new tuberculosis cases globally. Some of the symptoms include:

•             Coughing that lasts three or more weeks
•             Coughing up blood
•             Chest pain or pain with breathing or coughing
•             Unintentional weight loss
•             Fatigue
•             Fever
•             Night sweats
•             Chills
•             Loss of appetite

The most common diagnostic test for TB is a skin test where a small injection is made just below the inside forearm. The injection site should be checked after 2-3 days, and, if a hard, red bump has swollen up to a specific size, then it is likely that TB is present. The majority of TB cases can be cured when the right medication is available and administered correctly.

Highlighted below are some precautionary steps that an individual can take to avoid spread of the disease:

•             Never to skip intake of medicines
•             Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep and do some exercise to help your body fight the infection
•             Wearing a mask, covering the mouth, and ventilating rooms can also limit the spread of bacteria
•             Provide emotional and social support during treatment to ensure regular and complete therapy
•             Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough
•             Avoid public places and undergo complete therapy in case one is suffering from TB

About Association of Hospital:

The Association of Hospitals has been formed under the Memorandum dated August 6, 1985 and is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The Association is also registered under Maharashtra Public Trust Act, 1950 as Public Charitable Trust with the office of Charity Commissioner, Maharashtra State.

Presently there are 52 members of the Association and all of them are Public Charitable Trust Hospitals registered under Maharashtra Public Trust Act, 1950 with the concerned offices of Charity Commissioner, Maharashtra State depending upon the Jurisdiction. The members being not-for-profit charitable hospitals render yeomen service to the public and bear a major share of healthcare service to the people.