Tuberculosis (TB) is a surprisingly prevalent disease in Kolkata and West Bengal and its incidence is rising as increasing numbers of people are exposed to the disease. Unfortunately there is a public stigma attached to TB that, naturally, creates a fear, particularly amongst the uneducated. Patients are unwilling to be tested or prolong initial testing; thus remaining infectious for longer periods of time, allowing the disease to metastasize and spread.
Calcutta Rescue has been working with the government in urban areas since 1999, and in the rural areas since 2003, to put into operation the Indian Government's new TB control programme, the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP). This programme uses the WHO recommended protocol DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment – Short Course). It is being implemented in a phased manner throughout India. Urban or rural, this programme provides diagnosis, full course treatment for TB as well as health education and follow-up care; if required, patients may be referred to hospitals or nursing homes for in-patient care which CR funds, including cardiac surgery, dialysis, etc.
In April 2003, Calcutta Rescue commenced treatment of tuberculosis (TB) with the DOTS initiative as per the guidelines of RNTCP, in partnership with the District TB Control Society in the Tamuldah and Canning area of 24 Parganas South, where high unemployment and poverty abound. A team of CR health workers has been trained to use local facilities to help identify those in the community with TB. Once identified, TB patients receive a full course of treatment and follow up care as necessary under supervision of the field worker.
In 1999, as a result of our successful track record, Calcutta Rescue was selected to work as a government partner in the urban area with the Calcutta District TB Control Society (a local government agency) to put into operation the Indian Government's new TB control programme - the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP).
In consultation with local community groups, CR has set up a clinic in Ward 3's Belgachia area, and currently treats between 60 to 80. CR provides a doctor, health workers, infrastructure support, other medical needs and nutritional benefits for vulnerable patients. The TB Control Society supplies the anti TB drugs and conducts sputum microscopy to diagnose patients.
As of April 2009, 932 patients have been treated via the DOTS initiative, and 55 are presently continuing.
