RTEH Observes World TB Day with Awareness Walk and Educational Session

In recognition of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital (RTEH), Muzaffargarh, organized an awareness walk and an educational session to raise public awareness about TB, its prevention, and available treatment options. The event underscored the hospital’s commitment to combating TB and promoting community health.

The awareness walk brought together healthcare professionals, including Medical Director Dr. Shiraz Hussain, Manager Community Health Directorate Dr. Mubashir Khan, and Senior Consultant Pulmonologist Dr. Aneel Razzaq, along with doctors, nurses, and support staff. This symbolic march highlighted the importance of collective action against TB, emphasizing that the disease is both preventable and curable with timely medical intervention.

Following the walk, an informative session was held at the OPD (Family Medicine Clinics), where Dr. Mubashir Khan addressed the growing TB burden in Pakistan, with approximately 600,000 new cases reported annually. He reassured attendees that TB is a treatable condition and emphasized RTEH’s commitment to providing free treatment for those in need.

Dr. Aneel Razzaq elaborated on TB symptoms, stressing that a persistent cough lasting over two months is a critical warning sign. He urged individuals experiencing such symptoms to seek immediate medical testing. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of wearing masks to prevent transmission and cautioned against the dangers of prematurely discontinuing TB treatment.

One of the key concerns raised was the prevalent issue of patients stopping their prescribed six-month treatment after just two months when symptoms begin to subside. Dr. Razzaq warned that incomplete treatment can lead to drug-resistant TB, making recovery more complex and costly.

The session concluded with a strong call to action, encouraging both the community and healthcare providers to collaborate in eliminating TB through early diagnosis, adherence to complete treatment, and sustained public awareness. RTEH reaffirmed its dedication to providing free, accessible TB care and remains committed to fostering a healthier, TB-free future for all.