TB Alarmingly Spreading in Balochistan

Creating awareness amongst the masses about

Tuberculosis is inevitable as it is alarmingly spreading in Balochistan and other part of the country. “Victims of this disease in Balochistan are not restricted to poor, middle class rather people belonging to different walks of life even financially sound people are also suffering from this disease in Balochistan,” says President of Pakistan Chest Society Center Dr. S.M Naeem Agha while talking to the Baloch Hal in connection with the International Day of Tuberculosis. “We urge the media to create the desired awareness about this fatal disease as majority of the fresh cases are being registered of youngsters and this is a matter of great concern,” he informed. Dr. Agha says the exact number f TB patients in Balochistan is not known as another department deals with it, yet we can say that the number of patients runs into several thousands. He said factors which have resulted in the increase of TB patients is unhygienic conditions, presence of Afghan refugees who suffer the most from this disease, besides non awarness among the masses as a result of which much needed precautionary measures are not taken. “Pakistan Chest Society Balochistan Chapter arranged a walk on World Tuberculosis Day to create desired awareness and help check major health problem,” he added. Dr. Agha, informed that about two billion people around the globe carry active form of TB of which 1.4 million die due it every year, this means around 4, 500 persons die daily. He emphasizes that fact of the matter remains that political leaders and members of the civil society should come forward and create awareness in this regard. He also pointed out towards shortage of drugs in Fatima Jinnah Chest and General Hospital for TB patients.