Government committed to fighting Tuberculosis
JOBURG - A week before World TB day Gauteng Health MEC Hope Papo told local councillors, representatives of TB Free, caregivers and non governmental organizations in Pretoria that there are strides being made in early diagnosis and early treatment of tuberculosis.
“To demonstrate the commitment to reduce the burden of TB in Gauteng, the department of Health has allocated a budget of R225 089 000 to fight the scourge in the 2013/2014 financial year. The figure does not take into account the expenditure by hospitals in diagnosis, hospitalization and treatment of TB patients,” MEC Papo said.
MEC Papo revealed that the percentage of TB patients who do not complete their treatment improved from 5.9 percent in 2009 to 4.9 percent in 2013. “15 Gene-Xpert machines were purchased and installed in some Gauteng hospitals, one of which is Tembisa Hospital. These machines speed up diagnosis of TB and Multi-Drug Resistant TB.”
“Health centres will continue to educate residents on the signs and symptoms of TB and we will emphasize the importance of completing the TB treatment and make patients aware of the dangers of defaulting on medication.”
According to World Health Organization signs and symptoms of TB in the lungs include:
Coughing, sometimes with sputum or blood.
- Night sweats.
- Chest pains.
- Weakness.
- Weightloss.
- Fever
If you have any of the above signs or symptoms go to a clinic or hospital in your area. TB is treatable.
