The ancient scourge, tuberculosis, which has been found in 2,000-year-old mummies, remains a global health threat despite modern medicine. In fact, TB is the leading infectious disease killer in the world. A workshop was conducted with prison inmates at Dharamshala Jail on the issue of Tuberculosis. On this occasion Chief guest on the occasion, SDM Dharamshala Sh Balbir Thakur stated that studies show that burden of this killer disease is up-to 70 times greater in prisons than in communities. The demographics of the prison population (low socioeconomic status, large number of migrants, homeless, drug use), in addition to the situational and environmental vulnerabilities of the prison setting (e.g. overcrowding, poor ventilation) increases the risk of contracting tuberculosis (TB) among prisoners. The TB bacteria acquired resistance to many drugs, spreading rapidly among homeless people, AIDS patients, and other vulnerable groups. Dr Sanjay Bhardwaj SMO Jail added that there no need for isolation of patient on treatment, as he becomes non infectious after starting medicine. He stressed on complete course for effective cure of the disease.
Dr RK Sood District TB officer stated on the occasion that lifestyle choices are important to ensure that latent TB infection does not convert into active disease. Smoking substantially increases the risk of tuberculosis (TB) and death from TB- up to three times more likely to develop TB infection than non-smokers. up to one in every five deaths from TB could be avoided if the individuals did not smoke. Smoking Tobacco Doubles Risk of Recurrent Tuberculosis. Exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risks of both TB infection and development of active TB disease among children and adults. Our health is our responsibility and hence it is important to make correctl lifestyle choices, Superintendent Jail Sh Sushil Thakur stated that the jail has DOTS centre and is implementing measures for TB screening of vulnerable population. He stressed on exercise and Yoga for effective immunity. Effective TB control in prison protects prisoners, staff, visitors and the community at large. Deputy Supernitendent Mr AS Chambyal also .
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