IMA docs recommend completion of full TB treatment to patients

Completing the full course of Tuberculosis treatment and use of DOTS strategy will ensure cure of the disease, according to doctors of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Palampur.
"Doctors agreed that DOTS has less drug intake, hence lesser side effects is a good policy. It was shared that DOTS is a successful strategy and under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) 85 per cent cure rate has been achieved for patients on DOTS," IMA President Dr Chain Singh said.
Directly Observed Treatment, short-course (DOTS) is the name given to the tuberculosis control strategy recommended by the World Health Organisation.
"If the correct TB treatment is started, it is important to make sure patients complete the full course of TB treatment. Adherence will ensure cure and prevent drug-resistance," District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO) R K Sood said at a seminar on Tuberculosis organised here recently.

TB is an airborne disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (which generally affects the lungs) and is transmitted from an infected person to another through the droplets formed in the throat or lungs.
"In 2013, out of expected 3,795 cases in the district, 2,587 were diagnosed and reported to Revised National TB Control Programme, there was a gap of 32 per cent. These are missed cases which maintain the chain of TB transmission," he said.
The DTO suggested people to observe airborne infection control practices and protect their health from diseases like MDR TB, swine flu, SARS. IMA Secretary Dr Rohit also appealed to all to notify TB and contribute to TB control.

Over 35 doctors participated in the discussions in this interactive workshop.