Collector S. Suresh Kumar of Nagapattinam has inaugurated a mobile van fitted with equipment for conducting CB-NAAT, a molecular test that detects presence of TB bacteria.

The van will conduct tests for resistance to the drug rifampicin in rural and urban parts of the district till May 5. Alongside conducting tests, the health department staff will also create awareness about the ailment that affects all parts of the body, the lungs, in particular.

The health department has been urging the people to get them tested for chronic deep cough and weakness of the body. The department has also been cautioning people suffering from such symptom to cover their mouths with cloth while coughing and sneezing to prevent spread of bacteria through air.

The focus of the department is to convey to the public that the disease, if detected early, can be treated and cured over a continuous period of six to seven months and that the ailment was neither inherited nor a curse.

Medicines were given to TB patients free of cost through primary health centers. For consumption of nutritious food, the department was also crediting ₹500 a month into the bank account of every TB patient.

The initiative was aligned to the nation-wide campaign launched by the Central Government earlier this year to eradicate the ailment by 2025.