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Indian Express
12-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
How a novel initiative helped Tamil Nadu bring down TB deaths in the state
Tamil Nadu has witnessed a dip in the number of tuberculosis (TB) deaths in the state after the rollout of the Tamil Nadu Kasanoi Erappila Thittam (TN-KET), or TB death free initiative, in 2022. Due to the initiative, three districts — Dharmapuri, Karur, and Villupuram — witnessed a reduction in the number of TB deaths between 2022 and 2023, according to a paper published in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine. The TB death rate in Dharmapuri went down from 12.5% to 7.8%, in Karur from 7.1% to 5.3%, and in Villupuram from 6.1% to 5.2%. Scientists at the National Institute of Epidemiology told The Indian Express that within the six months of the TN-KET program, Tamil Nadu saw a dip in the number of early TB deaths by 20% across the state. Two-thirds of the districts in the state documented a 20% to 30% reduction in total deaths in 2024, according to scientists. Experts say, the program has been successful for two reasons. One, it uses a quick, easy-to-use tool, which helps a doctor determine whether a patient is severely ill and needs to be hospitalised soon after being diagnosed with TB. The tool does not require any laboratory-based investigations. Two, the initiative follows a differentiated care model which offers a patient-centred approach instead of a one-size-fits-all treatment. Tamil Nadu health workers use a paper-based triage tool which prioritises patient care based on the severity of the illness. To determine the severity, health workers record five key parameters for all TB patients in the state. If a patient has a BMI of less than 14 kg/sq m, or suffers from respiratory issues, or performs poorly on any of the other metrics, they are tagged as 'severely ill'. Such a patient is immediately referred for comprehensive assessment and inpatient treatment (care provided in a hospital or in some sort of medical facility). Note that this paper-based triage tool is simpler than other tools where health workers have to record 16 parameters of a patient, and send them for laboratory-based investigation. This makes the process of diagnosis at least a week long. Using the TN-KET program's triage tool, a diagnosis can be made within a day. Since the implementation of the initiative, 98% of the patients diagnosed with TB in Tamil Nadu get examined using the triage tool, and 98% of those confirmed to be severely ill are admitted to hospitals within seven days of diagnosis, according to scientists. The Tamil Nadu government has also launched a portal called Severe TB Web Application, where once the recorded parameters are entered, one can assess 'the probability of a patient dying', Manoj Murhekar, head of the National Institute of Epidemiology, told The Indian Express. 'This will help guide the health workers to take immediate action and prevent TB deaths,' he said. The TN-KET is one of India's first initiatives to implement the differentiated care guidelines issued by the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) in 2021. By following a patient-centred model, it provides treatment based on a patient's medical history and medical parameters such as age, weight, and specific disease conditions. It also considers the severity of the disease in all patients diagnosed with TB, and provides comprehensive care to the worst affected. Combined with a quick examination of TB patients through the triage tool, this model has been highly effective in preventing early deaths of the worst affected patients. Usually, 50% of those who die due to TB, lose their lives within the first two months after being diagnosed. 'Immediate inpatient care can reduce the probability of early death in severely ill patients by 1% to 4%. Usually, the probability of death in such patients is between 10% and 50%,' said Hemant Shewade, senior scientist at the National Institute of Epidemiology, who has studied the implementation of the TN-KET. Currently, India bears the highest burden of TB across the world. With an estimated 28 lakh cases, the country accounted for 26% of the global TB burden in 2023, according to the Global TB report, which was released last year. With 3.15 lakh deaths due to TB in 2023, India accounted for 29% of the global burden, the report revealed. The success of the TN-KET program has demonstrated that a differentiated care model combined with the use of a simple triage tool could save the lives of TB patients. This initiative can now be emulated by other states, helping reduce the number of TB deaths across the country. Anonna Dutt is a Principal Correspondent who writes primarily on health at the Indian Express. She reports on myriad topics ranging from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to the problems with pervasive infectious conditions. She reported on the government's management of the Covid-19 pandemic and closely followed the vaccination programme. Her stories have resulted in the city government investing in high-end tests for the poor and acknowledging errors in their official reports. Dutt also takes a keen interest in the country's space programme and has written on key missions like Chandrayaan 2 and 3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. She was among the first batch of eleven media fellows with RBM Partnership to End Malaria. She was also selected to participate in the short-term programme on early childhood reporting at Columbia University's Dart Centre. Dutt has a Bachelor's Degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune and a PG Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She started her reporting career with the Hindustan Times. When not at work, she tries to appease the Duolingo owl with her French skills and sometimes takes to the dance floor. ... Read More
NDTV
30-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
How Haldi Kalonji Water Helps Ease Menstrual Discomfort, Naturally
For many women, periods are more than just a monthly inconvenience. They come with a host of physical symptoms, including cramps, bloating, back pain, fatigue, and mood swings. In fact, menstrual pain, known as dysmenorrhea, is so common that around 70-80 percent of adolescent girls in India experience it, according to the Indian Journal of Community Medicine. Most women rely on quick fixes like painkillers, hot water bags, or even rest days. But there is a growing interest in natural remedies that are gentle on the body and easy to prepare at home. One such traditional remedy gaining attention is Haldi Kalonji Water - a simple herbal drink made using turmeric (haldi) and black seeds (kalonji). Let's explore its benefits in detail. Also Read: Tired Of Period Cramps? 5 Drinks That May Help You Reduce Menstruation Pain What Is Haldi Kalonji Water? Haldi Kalonji water is exactly what it sounds like. It is water infused with haldi and kalonji, sometimes with a touch of black pepper. It is typically consumed warm, once or twice a day, especially during menstruation. Why Turmeric? Turmeric has been a staple in Indian kitchens and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Its bright yellow compound, curcumin, is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties. Why Kalonji? Nigella seeds, or kalonji, are used in Unani and Ayurvedic systems to manage a variety of ailments. They are known for supporting digestive health, balancing hormones, and boosting the immune system. Also Read: Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar Shares 5 Simple Tips For Natural Period Pain Relief Photo Credit: iStock Benefits Of Haldi Kalonji Water During Periods: 1. Helps reduce inflammation and pain: Cramps during periods are caused by prostaglandins - hormone-like compounds that trigger uterine contractions. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and helps reduce prostaglandin production. A study in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that curcumin significantly reduced the severity and duration of menstrual pain when taken regularly. Additionally, turmeric supports liver health, which may aid in hormone regulation. 2. Supports hormonal balance and eases discomfort: Kalonji possesses analgesic (pain-relieving) and antispasmodic (muscle-relaxing) properties. According to the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, Nigella sativa oil reduced pain intensity in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Kalonji is also believed to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce bloating. Additional Benefits Of Haldi-Kalonji Water Durind Periods: 1. Improves digestion: Periods can disrupt gut function, leading to constipation or diarrhoea. Both turmeric and kalonji can promote digestive health and relieve gas. 2. Boosts mood and energy: Curcumin influences neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which may help manage PMS-related mood swings and fatigue. 3. Strengthens immunity: Rich in antioxidants, haldi and kalonji may help the body fight infections, especially when energy levels dip. 4. Reduces bloating and water retention: Kalonji acts as a mild diuretic, aiding in the elimination of excess water. Also Read: 5 Powerful Ingredients to Regulate Your Periods - Plus, A Simple Tea Recipe To Try Photo Credit: iStock How To Make Haldi Kalonji Water At Home Boil one glass of water. Turn off the flame and add half tsp turmeric and one-fourth tsp kalonji. Optional: Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance curcumin absorption. Stir well and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain into a glass and drink it warm, preferably in the morning or at bedtime. Who Should Avoid It? While generally safe, those with low blood pressure or kidney issues should be cautious, as kalonji and turmeric may aggravate these conditions. People taking blood thinners or diabetes medications should consult a healthcare professional before including this drink in their routine, as interactions may occur. The Bottom Line: Not A Miracle Cure, But A Time-Tested Remedy The blend of turmeric's anti-inflammatory strength with kalonji's hormonal support makes this a gentle yet effective ally during menstruation. However, every body is different. What works wonders for one person may have limited effects for another. So, before adding any remedy to your daily routine, it is best to consult a medical professional. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information. Advertisement About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Haldi Kalonji Water Natural Remedy Period Pain Show full article Comments
