Varanasi screens over 615,000 for tuberculosis awareness

Varanasi recently observed World TB Day on Monday. The day included a public awareness rally organized by local health officials at SSPG Divisional Hospital and Heritage Medical College. A seminar was also held to educate people about tuberculosis (TB). As part of the event, 310 nutrition kits were given to TB patients. These kits were distributed in various medical units across the district. Locations included hospitals and community health centers. The effort was supported by the Feeding India organization. Chief medical officer Dr. Sandeep Chaudhary noted that these distributions target improvement in the health of TB patients. There is a community goal to make the district TB-free in the future. District tuberculosis officer Dr. Piyush Rai highlighted a recent initiative from the Government of India. Launched on December 7, 2024, the "100-day Intensive TB Elimination Campaign" aims to quickly identify and treat TB cases. As of March 24, 2025, over 615,000 people have been screened for TB in Varanasi, with nearly 10,000 undergoing specific testing. Dr. Rai explained that TB mainly affects the lungs but can also impact other body parts. The disease is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads through tiny particles released into the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. If left untreated, TB can lead to severe complications.