Columban Lay Missionary Monalisa Esteban provide assistance at the clinic. Photo: Monalisa Esteban
The Columban Health Clinic has successfully partnered with the government, ensuring a continuous supply of tuberculosis (TB) medication. Representatives from the Civil Health Office conduct quarterly visits to review clinic records, while lab technician Peter and clinic doctor Dr. Zakir occasionally attend meetings at the Civil Health Office to discuss ongoing efforts.
Last September, the clinic collaborated with the Civil Health Office and the Dopasi Organisation from Karachi to host a TB camp in the Badin District. The event attracted 90 participants for X-ray examinations of their lungs, resulting in 15 individuals being asked to submit sputum samples for GenX testing and Smear Microscopy.
Of the 15 samples tested, two were confirmed positive for TB. Additionally, two cases of Extra-Pulmonary TB were admitted for further treatment.
Dr. Zakir reported that most visitors to the clinic presented with lung-related issues, emphasizing that while these cases might not all be TB, further checkups are strongly recommended.
This year, the Health Clinic recorded a total of 1,401 visits to its Out Patients Department, with 147 patients diagnosed with TB. Tragically, the clinic also reported ten TB-related fatalities throughout the year. The ongoing partnership and community health initiatives aim to combat the challenges posed by TB in the region.
Columban Lay Missionary Monalisa Esteban.
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban eBulletin
