Gurugram : On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day (March 24), Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram organized an enlightening scientific session dedicated to discussing the significant challenges posed by tuberculosis. The session aimed to explain the disease’s escalating virulence and resistance, alongside the latest advancements in diagnostic techniques and comprehensive management strategies to end TB. The esteemed Guests of Honour at the programme were Dr Sunil Kheterpal, Director– AHPI, Dr Rakesh PS – Senior Technical Advisor, iDEFEAT TB Project, The Union and Dr Ajay Sharma, President IMA – Gurugram. The programme highlighted the critical role of the private sector in TB eradication, the current standards of TB care in India, and key insights into the disease’s diagnosis and early symptoms, contributing to the national endeavor towards a TB Mukt Bharat.

The programme featured participants from Fortis Healthcare, including Mr. Mahipal Bhanot, Senior Vice President and Business Head at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram. Dr. Gurvinder Kaur, Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, Dr. Manoj Kumar Goel, Director and Unit Head of Pulmonology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, and Dr. Neha Rastogi Panda, Consultant in Infectious Diseases at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, were among the attendees. Additionally, numerous other esteemed doctors from the hospital contributed to the success of the program.

Dr Manoj Kumar Goel, Director and Unit Head, Pulmonology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “It is important to address tuberculosis and the challenges in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of this deadly disease. Highlighting the symptoms and solutions with communication campaigns is key to tackling the problem. Additionally, raising awareness about the link between tobacco use and TB is key to the mission. Such programs help in exchanging and implying knowledge for better vision and scope in the treatment of TB.”

Dr Neha Rastogi Panda, Consultant-Infectious Diseases, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “It is imperative and important to understand varied clinical presentation, challenges in diagnosis and timely management of tuberculosis as it is one of the ancient and biggest mimickers. It is essential to have elaborate symptom understanding, right diagnosis to confirm and assess resistance patterns with timely appropriate treatment with adherence. Surveillance and contact tracing are also important pillars in elimination of TB.”

Dr Gurvinder Kaur, Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram is felicitating TB Warriors, patients who have battled this disease and came out victorious. Fortis Hospital, Gurugram is committed to support the All-India mission of Ending TB. India has made significant progress in recent years towards ending TB, but still there are challenges that need to be addressed. It’s important to note that TB is a complex ailment that requires a comprehensive approach, this includes not only improving diagnosis and treatment but also addressing underlying social determinants of health such as poverty, malnutrition, and overcrowding that contribute to the spread of TB alongwith the social taboos. It also involves strengthening healthcare systems to ensure that people can access the care they need. The way forward includes working with public and private stakeholders to come together to reimagine how we address this challenge and prepare for future pandemics.”

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem with India having the world’s highest TB burden both in public and private sectors. The strategic pillars of TB Mukt Bharat are ‘Detect–Treat–Prevent–Build’. Over the last National Strategic Plan period, India made significant gains in strengthening the support structures, program architecture, and implementation environment for TB control. Integration of the program with the health services, expansion of diagnostics services, programmatic management of drug-resistant TB(PMDT) service expansion, and single-window service for TB cases along with national drug resistance surveillance are near future goals and further building blocks to achieve a “TB-Mukt Bharat”.