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Ganjam launches new skin test to tackle TB cases

Ganjam launches new skin test to tackle TB cases

Time of India02-05-2025
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Berhampur: Ganjam administration has introduced the
Cy-TB test
to detect latent infections under the
National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme
(NTEP).
"This will enable the breaking of the chain of the disease before its infection stage," said Bhabani Shankar Mishra, chief district medical officer (CDMO), while launching the new test here on Wednesday.
He said the test is exclusively designed to detect TB infection among vulnerable groups, which will help in early detection and break the chain of its spread.
These include household contacts of TB patients, diabetics, smokers, malnourished individuals and citizens above 60 years of age. "When we focus on these vulnerable groups, it will help to break the chain of infection," said Abani Kumar Patra, district TB officer.
Bideshi Jena, district TB programme coordinator, added that the Cy-TB test reflects a strategic govt push for early detection. The district has received 3,500 vials, distributed to various community health centres (CHCs), for the test. On the first day alone, about 1,100 people were tested.
Tuberculosis remains a serious public health challenge in Ganjam, with 280 deaths reported in 2024 and over 6,500 new cases. The district reported 6,698 new cases in 2023 and 6,466 in 2022, with 224 and 319 deaths, respectively.
The govt has introduced a new 26-week BPaLM treatment regimen for multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). The shorter course has been launched at three major medical colleges — MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack and PRM Medical College and Hospital, Baripada.
Berhampur: Ganjam administration has introduced the Cy-TB test to detect latent infections under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).
"This will enable the breaking of the chain of the disease before its infection stage," said Bhabani Shankar Mishra, chief district medical officer (CDMO), while launching the new test here on Wednesday.
He said the test is exclusively designed to detect TB infection among vulnerable groups, which will help in early detection and break the chain of its spread.
These include household contacts of TB patients, diabetics, smokers, malnourished individuals and citizens above 60 years of age. "When we focus on these vulnerable groups, it will help to break the chain of infection," said Abani Kumar Patra, district TB officer.
Bideshi Jena, district TB programme coordinator, added that the Cy-TB test reflects a strategic govt push for early detection. The district has received 3,500 vials, distributed to various community health centres (CHCs), for the test. On the first day alone, about 1,100 people were tested.
Tuberculosis remains a serious public health challenge in Ganjam, with 280 deaths reported in 2024 and over 6,500 new cases. The district reported 6,698 new cases in 2023 and 6,466 in 2022, with 224 and 319 deaths, respectively.
The govt has introduced a new 26-week BPaLM treatment regimen for multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). The shorter course has been launched at three major medical colleges — MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack and PRM Medical College and Hospital, Baripada.
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