Tikapur municipality intensifies tuberculosis screening campaign to identify hidden cases

Tikapur: A sputum collection campaign has been intensified in Tikapur Municipality through the formation of groups to identify whether citizens are suffering from tuberculosis.

As part of the Tuberculosis-Free Municipality Campaign, the municipality has begun collecting sputum samples and conducting tests in communities identified as high-risk areas.

Health Branch Chief Public Health Officer Bal Bahadur Rawal informed that testing camps were organized at Asnehari Urban Health Center on Ashad 1 and 2, and in Tikapur-7 Nayabasti on Ashad 2 and 3.

“People who are constantly coughing may be tuberculosis patients and should be tested,” he said. “The risk in the community is increasing due to infected individuals hiding the disease and not seeking immediate treatment.” He added that local levels, communities, and health institutions are making various efforts to make Tikapur Municipality tuberculosis-free. The Government of Nepal’s Tuberculosis-Free Nepal Campaign, launched in 2078–79, has expanded to nearly 150 municipalities. So far, 174 tuberculosis patients are receiving treatment in Tikapur.

“All services related to tuberculosis prevention, identification, diagnosis, treatment, referral, and support are provided free of cost,” Rawal said. He also informed that volunteers have been deployed in every ward for tuberculosis identification. Women’s health volunteer and tuberculosis volunteer Meena Tamatta said that identifying tuberculosis patients in the community remains challenging.

The municipality has also organized tuberculosis testing camps targeting schools, social organizations, women’s health volunteers, mother groups, community development organizations, and the Satti Urban Health Center. Health worker Govinda Kathayat of the Satti Urban Health Center said that testing camps have been conducted for high-risk groups.

“We are testing everyone above the age of seventy and those with asthma and respiratory problems,” he said. “In addition, we are giving priority to other high-risk groups.”

Tikapur Municipality Public Health Officer Anton Bajgain said efforts are being made to test sputum samples of high-risk groups and senior citizens above 70 years of age to ensure timely treatment.

Tuberculosis is characterized by prolonged cough, blood in sputum, weight loss, excessive night sweats, constant fatigue, mild fever, and chest pain.