Sambalpur: Tuberculosis Crisis in Sambalpur; Over 1,100 New Patients Identified in Six Months, Lack of Dedicated Specialists Raises Concerns

Rising TB Cases Amid Limited Medical Support

Sambalpur: Sambalpur is facing a serious Tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, with 1,106 new cases identified in just the past six months. Among these cases, the highest concentration (639) is in the SMC area. However, there are no specialist TB doctors in the district. Even the designated TB ward has been dismantled, making it impossible to admit patients in critical need. Although the state is investing heavily in TB eradication programs, the lack of specialized doctors is raising concerns about the district’s ability to manage this health crisis effectively.

Growing Concerns in Local Communities

In Beheramunda, a small community within Sambalpur with around 150-200 families, eight new TB cases have been detected this year alone. These patients are currently taking medications as part of the TB eradication program. Over the years, this community has consistently seen a rise in TB cases, with at least 3-10 new patients identified annually. Beheramunda is an impoverished area, home to laborers, scheduled caste, and tribal populations, many of whom are migrant workers. Due to the airborne nature of TB, the infection spreads rapidly within the community, especially when one person becomes infected.

Other communities within the SMC region—such as Katardhua, Mayabagicha, Kumharpada, Pensionpada, and Kalibadi—are similarly affected, with 4-8 new cases emerging each year. The crowded living conditions in these settlements, coupled with limited access to nutritious food, are significant factors contributing to the spread of TB.

TB Cases Spread Across Multiple Areas

Several other industrial and rural areas in the district have also reported new TB cases in the last six months:

• Rengali: 114 cases
• Fasimal: 62 cases
• Garposh: 73 cases
• Jujumora: 57 cases
• Kuchinda: 43 cases
• Naktideul: 23 cases
• Redhakhol: 41 cases
• Themra: 56 cases

The TB mortality rate in the district increased from 2% in 2023 to 3% in 2024, underlining the severity of the outbreak.

Shortage of TB Specialists

Since the passing of Dr. Pranati Sarangi, the district’s last TB specialist, in 2021, no new specialist has been appointed. Although temporary postgraduate (PG) students were hired, their terms eventually ended, and they left, further aggravating the shortage. Currently, general medicine specialists are treating TB patients, but the absence of a dedicated TB specialist is a major concern for effective patient care.

Health Department’s Response

The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) acknowledged that there are no TB specialists in the district at present. Therefore, specialists from the general medicine department are handling TB cases.