Ok, so I have to also tell you about a programme that has taken off and done very well in India.
As many of you know, tuberculosis is common in India. I spent Friday at what is known as a DOTS center in Andheri. DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment - short course) is a way to counteract partially treated cases of TB which has led to the increasing number of MDR (multi-drug resistant) tuberculosis. Paul Farmer with Partners in Health set up a similar program.
Anyways, each patient walks in with their last two X-rays. The doctor, Dr. Dholakia, examines them, asks me what I see on the X-ray and has me examine them and subsequently hands them a blister pack of their treatment. These blister packs are created by WHO (the World Health Organization).
This entire day, I saw three cases of miliary tuberculosis, multiple scrofulas, and diagnoses from cavitary lesions on X-ray.
Overall, it was a very cool experience and a reminder to get my PPD when I get back...
Read more at http://www.tbcindia.org/history.asp
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