Indore: To make Indore district free from tuberculosis (TB), education institutions, NGOs and social organisations have come forward to adopt children suffering from the disease and deprived of healthy diet.During a year-long survey, which concluded recently, 32,974 suspected TB patients had undergone medical examination. Among them 7,315 people have been found suffering from the disease. Of them, 15 per cent are between 0-14 years of age. It was learnt that many children, suffering from TB, are also deprived of nutritious diet and fall in a category of malnutrition.As per local health department’s records updated in April, 1150 malnourished children were diagnosed with TB in the district. Of them, 200 children have completed their treatment and now, living a healthy life.Zila panchayat CEO Neha Meena said, “Following the efforts made by administration, some private and government-run education institutions have come forward to sponsor nutrition-rich diet to the affected children and also keep a track over their treatment through a health-card.”Also, Lions Club, CEPI, Rotary Club, Jain Shwetamber Social Group and many other NGOs have come forward to adopt the affected children and bear expenses of their diet. The medicines, check-up and tests are free at government-run hospitals but these institutions will make sure that the patients follow it.Meena said that while 540 malnourished children with TB have been adopted by different organisations, remaining have voluntarily withdrawn citing they can afford the diet and have ensured of completing the course without any gap.“It takes six months for a TB patient to complete the course of treatment and thus, these institutions will have a target to help children getting rid of the disease in a given time-frame. The programme will start from June 24,” district TB officer Dr Vijay Chhajlani told TOI.Presiding over a programme, Governor Anandiben Patel said, 2200 children suffering from TB have been adopted by several education institutions across the state to provide proper diet and help the patients follow the treatment plan. The government has aimed to make the state free from TB by 2022.

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