TB Cases Increase in Sonipat: District Struggles to Achieve Tuberculosis-Free Status

The Sonipat district is facing a significant public health challenge as tuberculosis (TB) cases continue to rise in the district and it fails to achieve the TB free status, undermining efforts to create a TB-free India.

Key Statistics

Current TB patient count in the district is 4,563 while previous year's patient count was 4,334. There is consistent increase in cases over the past four years. Approximately 40-50 patients seek treatment daily at the civil hospital. 

Detection and Treatment Efforts

TB patients are given medication for one month continuously with standard treatment duration goes on for four months while serious TB patients go under treatment for nearly one year. Following advanced medical technologies are used to detect TB cases:

• CB-NAAT machine installed in TB Wing which enables TB patient identification within 2 hours of the test.
• Hand-portable X-ray machines are also deployed for medical camps in Sonipat. 

Community Outreach Programs

• NIKSHAY Campaign launched  
• Door-to-door TB screening
• NIKSHAY MITRA initiative to support patients 
• Focus on providing nutritional support 

Peak Infection Period

In the year 2024 August emerged as the month with the highest number of TB cases, indicating potential seasonal or environmental factors contributing to transmission of the disease. 

Prevention Recommendations

1. Maintain social distancing from TB patients
2. Practice regular hand hygiene
3. Cover mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing
4. Vaccinate children with BCG
5. Adopt a healthy lifestyle, adequate sleep and healthy eating habits
6. Avoid smoking (increases TB risk)
7. Exercise regularly