In line with India’s health objectives, the corporation is committed to eradicating TB by 2025 and achieving the targets set by the National Leprosy Elimination Program by 2030.

A senior official from the state’s leprosy control programme said, “Leprosy is treatable, and timely detection not only prevents deformities but also curtails its spread. The inclusion of leprosy detection in this integrated programme has significantly addressed reluctance and resistance among people to undergo checks for the disease.”

Dr Daksha Shah, BMC’s Executive Health Officer, said, “From this group, 20 suspected TB cases emerged, after 1,080 individuals underwent Mantoux testing, and 11,483 sputum samples were collected. This concerted effort led to identification of 136 cases, encompassing both pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB,” she added.

These findings play a crucial role in fortifying the city’s proactive stance against infectious diseases. For medical officers, recognising symptoms of tuberculosis is vital. It involves a persistent cough lasting over 14 days, evening fever, noticeable weight loss, coughing up blood, chest pain and swelling or tenderness in the neck.

Primary examination is conducted at designated centres free of cost, with X-rays included in the diagnostic process.

“After a diagnosis, they are referred to the nearest civic-run hospital for treatment. Also, we do contact tracing along with inspection of neighbouring areas to identify symptomatic patients,” added Dr Shah.