|
TB is now
a notifiable disease in India
In a
landmark development, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW),
Government of India, has taken important steps to establish the compulsory
notification of tuberculosis in the country. A Government Order to this
effect was issued on 7 May 2012.
This notable step will facilitate early diagnosis
and rational treatment, prevention of complications and drug resistance, and
reduce deaths due to TB. It will help the healthcare providers offer better
linkages for quality diagnostic and treatment services to the TB patients. It
would also enable the National TB Control Programme
to realistically estimate TB disease burden, plan resources and control
measures commensurate with the actual burden of disease.
WHO Country Office for India has
been closely involved with this initiative of the MoHFW
development and provided technical support leading up to the notification.
Elaborating on this
significant development, Dr Nata Menabde, WHO Representative to India said,
“This is an essential tool for local public health authorities to ensure all
TB patients receive quality case management and support, irrespective of the
provider they may choose to visit. This development should also be
linked to the efforts to improve the quality of care for patients, reduce
mistreatment as well as contain the subsequent development of antimicrobial
drug resistance.”
“The notification is also
a crucial tool for improving surveillance and disease burden estimation in the
country as it represents a valuable improvement in India’s efforts to implement the
International Health Regulations,” she added.
In his
message, Dr
Mario Raviglione, Director, STB Department (HIV, TB
and Malaria Cluster), WHO Hq said, “This is a giant step towards furthering
TB care and control in our top priority country world-wide. It has many
implications especially when it comes to the coordination with the non-state
sector. GoI is to be highly congratulated for
having addressed this major issue. WHO at all three levels stands
ready to support implementation of the new policy.”
For further information, please visit http://www.tbcindia.nic.in
|
