Prayagraj: Amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh festivities, the Central Hospital has intensified its healthcare services by providing tuberculosis (TB) screening alongside general medical treatment. According to Central Hospital’s Chief Superintendent Manoj Kaushik, 500 individuals have been screened for TB between January 12 and today, resulting in the confirmation of five positive cases.
The comprehensive screening process has employed two key diagnostic methods: chest X-rays and saliva tests. Out of the 500 people screened, 200 underwent chest X-rays, while 300 were tested using saliva samples. This dual approach ensures a thorough assessment of potential TB cases among attendees of the Maha Kumbh.
Mr. Kaushik stated that all five confirmed TB patients exhibited similar symptoms, such as persistent coughing, fever, night sweats, and weight loss, which are classic indicators of the disease. Encouragingly, none of these patients have been identified as having multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), a more severe form of the illness that is harder to treat.
The hospital has committed to continuing the screening drive to identify and treat more individuals who might be at risk. Healthcare workers are actively involved in raising awareness about TB, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection and treatment among pilgrims and visitors attending the religious event.
With the Maha Kumbh drawing large crowds from across the country, the proactive efforts of the Central Hospital aim to ensure public health safety by identifying and addressing potential health concerns promptly. Screening efforts are expected to intensify in the coming days as the event progresses.
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