Defunct X-ray machines barrier in TB eradication

Nagpur, Dec 1

X-ray is the most important tool in the detection of tuberculosis, but the machinery at 9 taluka places in Nagpur district has been defunct due to one or the other reason. Only the machines in Kuhi, Hingna and Kamptee are working fine and the machines in Saoner, Parseoni, Katol and Kalmeshwar, the output of the X-ray is blurred and not clear, while Ramtek, Bhiwapur and Narkhed lacks the technical staff. The machinery in Umred is ineffective, while in Mouda it is closed as there is no dark room. There has been a National Strategic Plan (NSP), for which a provision of `12K crore has been made, but where does the money go? is the big question here.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the most serious health problem in India. The disease kills more than 12 million people in the country every year. In 2017, there were 1,64,743 TB patients in Maharashtra. In 2018, this number reached 2,02,574. The disease has so far claimed 37,800 lives.

Shockingly, the number of TB ‘Resistant’ patients has reached 13,230. The government has announced to eradicate TB by 2025. The NSP has announced a plan to achieve this goal. A number of innovative schemes such as strengthening existing diagnostic centers and treatment services, increasing the involvement of the private medical sector and social support initiatives for tuberculosis patients have been operational. While this has brought some changes, necessary amenities in rural areas are still not being addressed.

TB patient search campaign in trouble

A door-to-door search for tuberculosis and leprosy patients started from December 1 to 16 in Nagpur district from December 1. However, the campaign has been hampered due to outdated equipment, lack of technology and lack of facilities in most of the rural hospitals.

-Location of X-ray machine in government hospital

Taluka Status

Saoner Old instruments,

blurred X-rays

NarkhedNo technician

Kalmeshwar Closed due to

technical reasons

Katol 25 years old,

blurred X-ray

Parseoni Old machinery blurred X-rays

Hingana Operational

Umred Closed from 4 years

Mauda Closed due to

lack of dark room

Ramtek No technician

Bhiwapur No technician

Kamptee Operational

Kuhi Operational

New patients registered

from January to October

Nagpur Rural - 1,361 patients

Nagpur City-4625 patients

-Total patients undergoing

treatment and deaths

Nagpur Rural - 2,843 patients, 86 deaths

Nagpur city - 6,408 patients, 414 deaths

Proposal to outsource for X-rays

A proposal has been sent to the joint director Health Services Leprosy and Tuberculosis Officer to outsource X-rays of patients where X-ray machines have been shut or become obsolete and provide technicians hired on temporary basis. The search for tuberculosis and leprosy patients, which started on December 1, is scheduled to send patients to different rural hospitals where X-rays are not available through 108 ambulances.

-Dr Mamta Sonsare,

District Tuberculosis Officer, Nagpur Rural