Patna: In a bid to combat tuberculosis (TB) through awareness and empowerment, the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at AIIMS Patna held a patient-focused programme on Tuesday to mark World TB Day. The event aimed to equip patients, caregivers, and the wider community with knowledge, support, and practical guidance to fight the disease effectively.
The session was led by Professor and Head Dr Deependra Kumar Rai, alongside Dr Saurabh Karmakar and Dr Somesh Thakur, who translated complex medical information into accessible advice. Dr Rai described TB as a curable but highly infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, warning that it can affect organs beyond the lungs if left unchecked.
Highlighting the importance of early detection, he urged patients to seek medical attention for persistent coughs lasting more than two weeks, fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, and night sweats. Rapid diagnostic tools such as sputum testing and molecular methods like CBNAAT and TrueNat were presented as reliable and readily available.
“TB is treatable, and treatment is within your reach—free, effective, and supported,” Dr Rai said, stressing adherence to prescribed regimens under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) to prevent drug-resistant strains. He also drew attention to the role of nutrition and holistic care, citing the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, which provides Rs 500 per month to support patients’ dietary needs.
The programme adopted an interactive format, encouraging participants to ask questions, share concerns, and engage directly with medical staff. Demonstrations of preventive measures, including mask use, proper ventilation, and cough etiquette, reinforced practical steps to limit transmission.
The event concluded with a collective pledge: “TB Harega, Desh Jeetega,” signalling a shared commitment to ending TB and supporting the government’s “TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” initiative. Educational materials were distributed to extend awareness beyond the hospital and into local communities.
Organisers described the programme as more than a public awareness drive, framing it as a platform for reassurance, empowerment, and community responsibility, bringing patients closer to recovery and India closer to a TB-free future.
