Railways launches 100-day TB awareness campaign

Patna: The railways has launched a 100-day tuberculosis (TB) awareness campaign at the East Central Railway (ECR)’s central super speciality hospital in Patna on Saturday. The initiative aims to raise awareness, promote early detection, and encourage preventive healthcare practices among railway employees, their families, and the general public.According to ECR’s chief public relations officer (CPRO), Saraswati Chandra, the campaign was formally inaugurated on the hospital premises, where railway doctors and healthcare staff engaged directly with people. The programme focused on emphasising strict adherence to health guidelines and encouraging habits that support a TB-free life, he said.During the awareness session, several doctors, including Dr Kaushal Kumar, Dr Sanjay Kumar Gupta, and Dr Sandhya Kiran, highlighted the early symptoms of tuberculosis, such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. They stressed that timely diagnosis plays a crucial role in effective treatment and in preventing the spread of the disease, the CPRO said.Medical experts also demonstrated basic screening methods and encouraged individuals to seek medical attention at the earliest signs of illness.Special attention was given to vulnerable groups, particularly women, who are often at higher risk due to malnutrition and lack of access to timely healthcare. Doctors advised women to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and avoid food habits that may weaken immunity or aggravate health conditions, said ECR Super Speciality Hospital Medical Director (MD) Dr Subodh Kumar Mishra.“Malnutrition significantly increases susceptibility to TB. A strong immune system is the first line of defence,” he said, adding that the Railways also underlined the importance of regular health check-ups, especially for those living in high-risk environments.The 100-day campaign will include periodic screening camps, awareness workshops, and outreach programmes aimed at educating the community about TB prevention and treatment, Dr Mishra said. He added that sustained efforts over the coming months will contribute meaningfully to reducing TB cases and improving overall public health outcomes.The initiative aligns with broader national goals to eliminate tuberculosis and reflects the Railways’ commitment to the well-being of its workforce and the communities it serves.