Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (AF)
Mangalore, Mar 26: The department of health and family welfare observed the World Tuberculosis Day here on Saturday March 24.
Speaking on the occasion, World Health Organisation advisor (tuberculosis division) H R Ravindra expressed concern over the rising number of tuberculosis cases in the country.
Speaking about the social problems arising out of the spread of the disease, he said that nearly a lac students drop out from schools owing to one of their parents contracting TB. Out of the 88 lac cases the world over, India alone accounts for 18 lac patients, despite the disease being curable, he said.
He elaborated on the tuberculosis testing centres set up in various parts of district under the government TB Control Programme and said that the centres also provide medicines free of cost.