Assam Sees Rise in TB Diagnoses Over Four Years as Testing Increases

Guwahati: Owing to intensified screening and improved diagnostic outreach, Assam has recently witnessed a significant surge in the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases over the past four years.

According to official reports published by the state health department, the significant rise in the number of TB cases in the state is not a pointer to the fact that there has been a sudden spike in infections but the result of better diagnosis and expanded testing initiatives. This has led to more people being examined, especially in far-reaching, vulnerable areas.

It may be mentioned that under the National TB Elimination Programme, Assam has escalated its diagnosis and health inspection campaigns, strengthened and upgraded laboratory networks, and also broadened access to rapid molecular diagnostics. Door-to-door screening and awareness drives to identify patients at an early stage have also been increased manifold.

Medical officials in Guwahati and other districts have earlier said that in order to counter the disease, early detection plays a crucial role. Once detected and confirmed, timely treatment ensures that there is a hundred per cent recovery amongst the patients. 

They further added that sustained surveillance and community participation remain the basic foundation of the nation’s broader aim of combating and eliminating TB in the coming years.

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