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Jaipur, 25 March , 2026: The recent tuberculosis screening drive conducted by the Health Department in Rajasthan in December 2025 has brought a hard truth to light- Tuberculosis continues to be a serious public health challenge. TB, an infectious disease caused by bacteria, remains one of the world’s most persistent infectious diseases and India is also a part of this global burden with approximately 28 lakh (2.8 million) new TB cases reported annually, representing over 25% of the global burden. These ‘hidden cases’ underline why awareness, early testing and completing treatment are crucial to control TB.
Dr Ankit Bansal, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur said tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that most commonly affects the lungs, but it can also involve the lymph nodes, bones, brain and other organs. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Contrary to popular belief, TB does not only affect the poor or undernourished but anyone who is exposed to it.
Dr Ankit Bansal, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur lists symptoms, treatment and preventive measures of Tuberculosis.
Common symptoms you should not ignore:
• A cough lasting more than two weeks
• Fever, especially in the evenings and night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite and persistent fatigue
• Blood in sputum in advanced cases
Treatment: TB is curable:
The most reassuring fact about tuberculosis is that it can be cured. With the right treatment taken the right way, people recover fully and go back to normal life. TB treatment usually means taking a fixed combination of medicines for about 6 to 9 months, which are provided free of cost under the national TB programme. Patients identified during the recent Rajasthan screening drive are being connected to treatment promptly to prevent further spread of the infection. What truly matters is completing the entire course, even if symptoms improve early. Stopping medicines midway can allow the disease to return in a more dangerous, drug-resistant form that is much harder to treat.
Preventing TB: Simple steps make a big difference:
• If a cough, fever or unexplained weight loss lingers, don’t wait it out, get checked
• A cough or fever lasting more than two weeks is not “just seasonal” and needs attention
• Cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing and ensure proper ventilation
• Eat regular, nutritious meals and keep illnesses like diabetes well controlled
• Avoid smoking and cut down on alcohol, as both weaken the body’s defence against infections
• Offer support to anyone undergoing TB treatment as getting treated is the right step
.With early testing, timely treatment and community awareness, TB can be controlled and cured. The key message is simple: TB is serious, but it is treatable, and early action saves lives.
