By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts Cookies Policy.
Satyamev Jayate Episode 4: 5 things that ail the Tuberculosis eradication DOTS programme
Five reasons why the TB eradication programme is not having the desired impact.
Trending Now
Actor Aamir Khan in episode 4 of his popular show Satyamev Jayate took up the health hazard Tuberculosis (TB) and how it is affecting Indians. Experts on the show highlighted the problems in implementation of the TB eradication programme. Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) is the most effective strategy available for controlling TB. DOTS was launched formally as Revised National TB Control programme in India in 1997 after pilot testing from 1993-1996 and has been widely advocated and successfully applied. Read-Satyamev Jayate 3 Episode 4 review: Salman Khan joins Aamir Khan to lend support to fight against Tuberculosis #tickingTimeBomb
However, the efforts to control the TB menace is facing hurdles. Political commitment by national government needs to increase. A commitment which is linked to long-term strategic action plans prepared by national TB control programmes should take firm roots.
Satyamev Jayate listed five reasons why the TB eradication programme is not having the desired impact.
Outdated drug programme
While the world over is following a daily follow up programmer, India still follows alternate day treatment programme. Patients are given medicines only every alternate days while only medication on daily basis will show signs of improvement in the patient. There are cases when proper medication and healthy diet doesn’t save patients, if that is the case it should be snured that TB affected patients are taken better care.
Shortage of drugs
Often drugs are not available at the health centers. The patients are forced to buy the medicines from the open market. The sole motive of such an organisation should be about the welfare of the patients. Medicines in the open market are expensive and there are many times when patients don’t buy their prescribed medicines that will mark their survival, as they cannot afford it.
Timing of clinics
The timings of the clinic is fixed and often the patient has to skip office to get his medicine and treatment. People always consider their work over their health. There should be programmes which teach them the importance of consulting their doctor on time and its affect on their health. DOTs should consider the patient’s needs and ensure that the clinic functions according to the patient’s needs.
Poor monitoring
The DOTS programme requires strict discipline and monitoring. There have been instances when the health workers furnish wrong information. People volunteering for the organisation should have proper information about it as it is them who are trusted by the patients. There should be better analysis of the patient’s health and keep their health as priority.
Corruption
Rampant corruption has not spared even the DOTS programme. Patients complained that the doctors ask money for medicines. Patients who are taken care though DOTs are the ones who cannot afford exorbitant prices of medicines, doctor should understand the situation and work accordingly.
Also Read:
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Viral News on India.com.