Quetta: An increase in Tuberculosis (TB) cases is seen in Balochistan. Especially in its prisons. During the current year, 16,000 to 18,000 cases were reported across the province.
Dr Sher Afghan Raisani, The Provincial Manager of the TB Control Programme, Balochistan revealed this at a press conference on Tuesday. SSP Hamidullah Pechi Superintendent of Quetta district jail was accompanying him. He was further accompanied by Dr Irfan, Project Manager of TB Control Programme and other health projects.
According to Dr Raisani in 12 prisons of Balochistan, among 3,000 prisoners a comprehensive screening of non-communicable and communicable diseases was conducted.
Free diagnosis and treatment of TB patients continue at 250 centers across the province through the TB program according to him. In both government and private hospitals 650 doctors in 20 districts are ensuring TB treatment and diagnosis.
For modernization of TB screening in hospitals, about 30 AI-based digital X-ray machines and 100 modern FM microscopes have been provided across the province. Treatment centers have been increased from three to eleven for drug resistant TB.
Dr Raisani said that for the first time a coordinated health screening programme has been launched in all 12 prisons of Balochistan by TB Control Programme, the Department of Health of Balochistan, DoPasi Foundation and Department of Prisons.
In the end he added that the initiative is aimed at providing prison staff, prisoners and related security forces with standard treatment and diagnosis for both non-communicable and communicable diseases.
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