The Indian Red Cross Society with over 1.80L members will take an active role to build a Tuberculosis (TB) free society and reach out to last person affected by the disease, said Governor, Dr Tamilisai Sundararajan.
The Governor has reviewed the prevalence of TB in the state and Hyderabad city in particular with senior medical doctors at Rajbhavan.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said it is quite sad to note TB continued to remain a killer disease in the society when we boast of advancement in several areas. It is important to get rid of this malice within stipulated time and directed the District Medical officer Dr J Venkat, Dr Sudhir Prasad, General Secretary, TB association to formulate a strategic action plan to ensure that every TB patient has access to quality diagnosis, treatment and support.
In order to eliminate TB completely in a couple of years in the state, the Governor also directed the DM&HO to conduct TB screening and awareness campaign on March 24 – World TB day at all slums, night shelters and other places in twin cities.
The Governor said that she has extensively done research on three diseases viz TB, Dengue and Cancer and said these killer diseases are preventable with the help of community engagement.
The District TB control officer Dr Chala Devi said the Hyderabad hospitals are providing TB treatment to neighbouring districts, states, and other countries like USA, Saudi Arabia, Srilanka and other countries.
Mr Surendra Mohan, Secretary to Governor, Dr Sneha Shukla, WHO- TB Consultant, Mr Mamidi Bheem Reddy, IRCS, and several Medical officers from GHMC attended.
