25 March 2011
By Supriya Shelar
Pune, India
Despite Tuberculosis (TB) being one of the oldest diseases and having a widespread prevalence across the world, India is lagging behind in maintaining the registry. Association of Spine Surgeons of India and Indian Medical Association have join hands to initiate a forum, where the physicians and surgeons can report the number and experiences of TB cases. This will facilitate further research and treatment, said TB experts.
Speaking on the current scenario of TB, Dr Rajesh Parasnis said, "TB has a history of 4000 years, still there is no control on its spread. Annually around two billion dollars are being spend on TB research across the world. But with the increasing prevalence of Multi Drug Resistance TB, the challenge is still there."
According to him, a national inventory on TB cases is required to have a clear idea. "If each surgeon reords data, it would help researchers," he added.
Medical director of spinalogy clinic Dr Kiran Shete said that TB patients, especially spinal TB, are underdiagnosed in India. "Patients often come to us at advanced stage, he said.
"In UK there is a national health scheme and in the US there is a national health registry. Swedish registry is also ideal for that concern. We also should develop a system, where documentation of individual surgeons can be reported and good follow-up system of patient can also be possible," he said.
Speaking on the diagnosis of TB among children, paediatrician Dr Sharad Agarkhedkar said, "Currently the diagnosis of TB among children is based on suspicion and not confirmed scientifically. It has always remained under or over reported."
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