(a) whether every year 18 lakh people suffer from tuberculosis as reported in the `Rashtriya Sahara` dated September 28, 2004 ;
(b) whether the largest number of people suffering from this disease belong to this country;
(c) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard ;
(d) whether the Government is planning to establish specialised hospitals in each State for treatment of this disease;
(e) if so, the details thereof ; and
(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE ( SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) Yes, Sir. It is estimated that every year about 18 lakhs new cases of tuberculosis are occurring in the country.
(b) Yes, Sir.
(c) To control the disease, National TB Control programme is in operation in the country since 1962. This could not achieve the desired results. Therefore, the Revised national TB Control programme, based on DOTS, which is a WHO recommended strategy, is being implemented in a phased manner, with the objective of achieving cure rate of 85% of new sputum positive cases and to detect at least 70% of such cases.
The project districts have reported a cure rate of more than 85% which means more than 8 out of every 10 patients diagnosed and put on treatment under revised strategy are successfully treated. This is more than double that of the earlier programme.
To make the programme more accessible to larger segments of the population, and to supplement the Government efforts in this direction, emphasis is being given to involve medical colleges, all general hospitals, private practitioners and NGOs in the programme.
DOTS coverage is being rapidly expanded in the country. From 20 million coverage in 1998, more than 900 million population in 522 districts have now been covered. It is envisaged to cover the entire country by 2005 under the revised strategy.
(d) No, Sir.
(e) Does not arise.
(f) Based on research evidence, domiciliary treatment of TB patients has been found effective. Hospitalization of TB patients is not required except in very serious cases which can be taken care of in General Hospital and no separate TB hospitals are required. This will also help in reduction of stigma attached to TB.