Tuberculosis continues to ravage the Indian subcontinent with the same lethal effect if not more since time immemorial.

With the emergence of HIV-AIDS, the disease has been emerging into a killer. The irregular and non-monitored treatment of yesteryears has resulted in the evolution of Multi-drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDRTB), which has compounded the problem.

The units of EHA have been constantly on war with tuberculosis. However the effort was in a unit-to-unit basis and there was no concerted and centralized effort. Dr. Jeevan Kuruvilla was appointed as the Coordinator for Tuberculosis Services in February 2003. This evolved from the successful effort of Nav Jivan Hospital, Satbarwa in DOTS under the Revised National Tuberculosis Program of the Government of India.

The Tuberculosis Initiative of EHA is still in its infancy and the following measures will be taken.

1. Developing a Strategic Plan for a period of 5 year.
2. Extend support to other NGOs in tuberculosis control by capacity building and networking.
3. To bring all EHA units under the RNTCP.
4. Fund raising for facilitating smooth functioning of TB clinics in each unit.
5. Formulate criteria in management of MDRTB.
6. Develop laboratory facilities for MDRTB.
7. Facilitate research on disease trends, new drugs and diagnostic tools.
8. CME programs on Tuberculosis and allied subjects.