Tuberculosis Cases Rising in Sudurpashchim, 65 Deaths Recorded in Current Fiscal Year

March 24, Sudurpashchim — Tuberculosis (TB), one of the major public health challenges, is increasingly becoming a problem in the Sudurpashchim Province.

Although the ‘DOTS’ program (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) under medical supervision has proven effective in treating tuberculosis, health workers report that the expected number of patients have yet to be identified within communities, contributing to a rise in the disease burden. Manoj Ojha, TB and Leprosy Inspector at the Health Directorate in Dipayal, stated that failing to identify patients as targeted is aggravating the situation.

“Our country has a good treatment protocol; however, deaths continue due to individuals not receiving treatment,” he noted. “Approximately 40 percent of patients across the province still do not come forward for treatment.”

Ojha highlighted several factors leading to an increased number of cases: symptomatic patients delaying visits to health facilities, limited access to PCR testing methods across all areas, inadequate field-level screening activities, and late treatment initiation despite visible symptoms.

Health professionals emphasize that population density, migration, open borders with India, poverty, and lack of public awareness present significant challenges to controlling tuberculosis in the region.

Among registered patients in the province, only 26 percent are over 65 years old. Kailali district reports the highest number of TB cases, while Kanchanpur has the greatest incidence per 100,000 population.

The annual number of TB patients in the province has been steadily increasing. According to data from the Health Directorate, there were 2,826 patients in the fiscal year 2077/78, 3,424 in 2078/79, 3,214 in 2079/80, 3,618 in 2079/81, and 3,648 in 2081/82.

As of mid-Magha (January) in the current fiscal year, 1,840 tuberculosis patients have been recorded in the province. Among them, Kailali accounts for 812 cases and Kanchanpur for 504. Other districts reported cases as follows: Doti – 78, Achham – 83, Baitadi – 83, Bajhang – 58, Bajura – 81, Dadeldhura – 72, and Darchula – 69.

The Health Directorate reported 65 deaths among TB patients in the province in the current fiscal year. Nationally, over 75 percent of TB cases involve pulmonary tuberculosis, but the disease can also affect the lymph nodes, throat, stomach, liver, kidneys, and brain.

The government provides TB treatment free of charge. It aims to eliminate tuberculosis by the year 2035, targeting a 95 percent reduction in deaths caused by the disease.

Health workers advise anyone experiencing prolonged cough, coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, chest heaviness, sudden weight loss, excessive sweating, or fatigue to visit the nearest health post for evaluation and testing.