11,656 TB cases reported in Balochistan last year

Provincial Manager of Tuberculosis (TB) Control Programme Dr Asif Anwar Shahwani on Friday said that more than 11,656 patients were diagnosed with TB in Balochistan last year and provided free of charge treatment and medicines.

“The spread of TB can be prevented by creating awareness among the people. Moreover, HIV screening of TB patients in the province is also necessary,” he added.

Dr Asif said training programmes were being organised to improve the performance of the medical staff. He expressed these views while addressing the quarterly review meeting of the participants of the two-day basic training on TB and HIV under the Provincial TB Control Programme.

Doctors, screeners, counselors and lab technicians participated in the training. Project Manager Dr Irfan Ahmed Raisani provided training to the medical staff.

Dr Asif said that all possible measures were being taken to diagnose TB patients and provide them with free of charge treatment.

Dr Asif Shahwani said that the role of lab supervisors in the diagnosis of TB was very important.