The Jharkhand government has urged people to remain alert about tuberculosis (TB) and stressed that early detection, proper testing and completion of treatment are crucial to defeating the infectious disease.
The Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD), Jharkhand, advised people to undergo TB testing at the nearest government health centre if they experience symptoms such as cough lasting two weeks or more, fever, night sweats, weight loss, chest pain, fatigue, coughing with sputum or blood in the sputum.
According to the government appeal, TB is a communicable disease, but it can be treated successfully when identified in time and when patients complete the prescribed treatment.
Jharkhand : Free TB Testing and Treatment
The state government said TB testing and treatment are available free of cost at government health facilities. It also stated that patients undergoing TB treatment are provided ₹1,000 per month as Nikshay Poshan Support during the treatment period through their bank accounts.
As part of efforts towards TB elimination, special screening campaigns are also being conducted in villages and wards identified as having higher-risk populations. The government said hand-held X-ray machines are being used during screening camps to help identify suspected TB cases, including among people who may not yet have noticeable symptoms.
Citizens Urged to Support TB-Free Jharkhand Campaign
The government has also called upon panchayat representatives, NGOs, community members, political party workers, self-help group members and the general public to participate in the Nikshay Mitra initiative.
Under the initiative, volunteers can support TB patients through additional nutritional assistance, livelihood training and diagnostic support, while contributing to the broader goal of making villages, wards, panchayats, blocks and districts TB-free.
