Paras Health reports increment in total number of newly diagnosed pulmonary TB cases

New Delhi: Paras Health Gurugram has reported a concerning rise in pulmonary and other tuberculosis (TB) cases. Over the past year, the hospital has witnessed an increment in total no of newly diagnosed  Pulmonary TB cases, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and timely treatment.

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a contagious lung infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It can affect anyone but is more common in  weakened immune systems, malnutrition, children and elderly.

TB remains a significant public health challenge in India, and the rise in cases at Paras Health Gurugram mirrors national trends. According to the latest data, India’s National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) recorded 26.07 lakh TB cases in 2024—the highest ever reported. While India has made substantial progress in combating TB, with incidence rates dropping by 17.7% since 2015 and TB-related deaths reducing by 21.4%, the growing number of cases suggests the need for continued vigilance.

Dr. Aakashneel Bhattacharya, Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Paras Health, Gurugram, attributes the increase in TB cases to multiple factors. “One major reason for the rise in TB cases is the shift from the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) to the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP). The new program focuses on aggressive case detection through targeted testing in high-risk populations. As a result, more TB cases are being diagnosed and reported. Another key factor is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, many patients received steroid treatments, which act as immunosuppressants. This has led to the reactivation of dormant TB in some individuals.”

He further informed that there has been a 34% rise in Spinal TB, and a 9% rise in Brain TB, as per the data available with the hospital.

Pulmonary TB, which primarily affects the lungs, is the most commonly diagnosed form of tuberculosis at Paras Health Gurugram. However, other types of TB, including extrapulmonary TB (affecting organs like the kidneys, bones, and brain), are also on the rise.

While the increasing number of cases is alarming, TB remains a preventable and curable disease if diagnosed in time. Dr Arunesh Kumar, Senior Consultant, Respiratory Medicine, Paras Health Gurugram, emphasizes the importance of boosting immunity and adopting preventive measures to reduce TB risk.

“People can safeguard themselves by maintaining a healthy lifestyle—staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals on time, exercising regularly, and ensuring proper sleep. Those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease should be especially cautious and wear N95 masks in crowded places. If anyone experiences symptoms like persistent cough with blood, fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, or night sweats, they should immediately consult a TB or infectious disease specialist. Early diagnosis and adherence to prescribed treatment can lead to a complete cure,” advised Dr. Kumar, adding that the hospital has witnessed a 10% rise in new TB cases.

India has made commendable progress in TB treatment and control. TB treatment coverage has increased by 32% in the past eight years, from 53% in 2015 to 85% in 2023. However, the rising number of cases underscores the need for continuous awareness and medical intervention.