BANGALORE: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death in the country. Most of the TB cases have been found to be in the age group of 18 to 54 years. While it can spread to anyone and anywhere, members of the economically weaker section working in the industries, are more vulnerable to this infectious disease. Not only the workers, but their family members are also at risk of developing TB.
Lack of awareness, low literacy level, alcohol addiction and malnutrition are some of the reasons why this section of the society is not able to access any health services.
To tackle these issues, Health Department officials, with the representatives of the corporate sector, sought the framing and implementation of the TB policy.
The participants at the conference discussed the role of corporate sector in developing concrete approach to address TB at workplaces. Principal secretary of Health Department E V Ramana Reddy emphasized on the importance of public and private partnership and the involvement of corporate sector to control the spread of TB.
“Creating awareness in the corporate sector and apprising them about their role in the treatment of the suspected or positive case can help in the timely intervention of the diseases. If any employee is tested positive for TB, besides the awareness, the management can help in by provide financial support in terms of wages,” said Director of RGICD Dr Shashidhar Buggi.
“The workers in the industries and other corporate sectors can produce the maximum yield only if they are in the prime of their health. The productivity of the companies is also dependent on the health of its workforce,” he added.
State TB Control Officer Dr Suryakanth said, “As a workplace policy, as and when any suspected case of TB is noticed, the management can refer the patient to the ESI hospital. The government already providing treatment to such patients.”