Goa is intensifying its fight against tuberculosis (TB), with health authorities reporting the highest number of tests in a single month last month. According to Dr. Manish Gaunekar, Chief Medical Officer in charge of the national TB elimination programme, 5,168 symptomatic and high-risk individuals were tested—a clear sign of the state’s commitment to early detection.
Goa has been a pioneer in TB management. In 2020, it became the first state in India to provide rapid molecular testing (NAAT) for TB, aiming to break the chain of transmission through timely diagnosis, treatment, and public awareness.
“We are focusing on identifying high-risk patients and providing them tailored care,” said Dr. Gaunekar. “For instance, individuals with low BMI are given additional nutritional support through Nikshay Mitras to boost immunity. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes are connected to diabetic educators and admitted for care when necessary.”
Drug-resistant TB remains a concern, with Goa seeing 50–60 cases a year. Patients are counselled extensively to ensure they complete their medication courses, a crucial step in preventing further resistance. “Alcoholism is a major challenge,” Dr. Gaunekar added. “We link patients struggling with alcohol to de-addiction centres to help them adhere to treatment.”
Former Goa Medical College dean Dr. S. Bandekar had previously noted that alcohol abuse contributes significantly to TB-related deaths. He explained that the liver of chronic alcohol users often cannot tolerate the strong TB medications, forcing doctors to withdraw treatment, which can lead to serious complications like jaundice.
The state also faces challenges from its floating population, as people moving between states may become unreachable. Goa includes all TB cases detected within its borders—and all deaths from TB occurring in the state—in its statistics, regardless of when a patient arrived.
Geographically, Mormugao and Cortalim report the highest number of TB patients receiving government treatment. As of July, 55 patients from Vasco and 56 from Cortalim were undergoing treatment at government hospitals. Overall, North Goa accounted for 52% of TB patients in government care, with South Goa close behind at 47.8%.
With expanded testing, targeted care, and community awareness, Goa aims to stay on track in its mission to eliminate TB, protecting its residents and ensuring timely treatment for those most at risk.
