India with a population of more than 1.4 billion is the most populous country in the world. Almost 62% of the population (source: www, fortuneindia.com) is dependent on subsidised ration, the most in the last seven decades. The employment opportunities are not very promising. Diseases like TB is very high (2022- 2.23 cases) accounting for 25 percent of global TB burden. The estimate for hypertension is about 25%.(24% men and 21% women) and type 2 Diabetes about 8.7% in the age group of 20-70 years (source WHO). The incidence of COPD ranging from 5.6% & 11.4%, osteoarthritis (source: www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov>pmc) Additionally they also suffer from other infectious diseases. The children are no better, suffering commonly from malnutrition, respiratory diseases, skin infections and worms.

The rural medical practitioners are the first contact for providing treatment being nearer to the patient residence and their ready accessibility. However, their knowledge about disease, skills for examination, and treatment are inadequate and needs to be improved. Often patients find it difficult to purchase medicines for continuing treatment for diseases like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, asthma, COPD, post TB sequele and other acute and chronic diseases. The plight of the poor aged are worse with no one to depend on for care and treatment. Often various laboratory tests are prescribed without any valid reasons further worsening their plight.

About Santi Tuberculosis Control Society:

Santi Tuberculosis Control Society was established in 1981 to provide free medical services to the poor and provide treatment to people suffering from TB and other health problems. It is a registered society with its office located in Pailan village, of South 24 Parganas district in the state of West Bengal, India. It is a well-known organisation in the state and maintains close relations with the local and district and state health department and local elected body the panchayat.

In the past it provided OPD services, diagnostic tests for detection of TB and its treatment. It worked in the area of maternal and child health following up pregnant mothers and their children. It has also constructed low cost sanitary latrines for cured TB patient’s families.