Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi.K.Palaniswamy on Monday launched TB free Chennai at the state secretariat, thereby kickstarting the first of its kind scheme at Chennai.
"For the first time, Chennai has been selected for an integrated scheme to eradicate TB in association with Reach research centre and United States Agency for International Development (USAID)," Palaniswamy said.
Under the MoU, the four-phased programme will include the identification of TB patients followed by intensified medication for six to eight months. During this period, patients will also be given nutritional food and consultation.
The third phase of the project will focus on slum dwellings where the incidence of TB is high. For this purpose, the state would purchase seven mobile vehicles for campaign and treatment facilities.
The fourth phase of the project will provide awareness and support for those infected with TB.
In Chennai, there are about 600 private hospitals, 2,000 labs and 2,000 pharmacies and there are also 12,000 doctors practicing in the capital city. All those involved in the medical field must keep the state informed about the prevalence of TB.
The state and the aided organizations will be spending close to Rs 20 crore to eradicate TB and continue the programme for about four years.
