BMA urges people to have chest X-rays

>> The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) yesterday urged people to have an annual chest X-ray as part of preventive measures against the spread of tuberculosis (TB) in the capital.

Bangkok Deputy Governor Thaweesak Lertprapan said the measure aimed to delist Thailand from 14 countries most plagued by TB.

The scheme is also in compliance with the World Health Organisation’s TB theme, “Wanted: Leaders for A TB-Free World”, this year.

Mr Thaweesak was speaking at the “Bangkok Stops TB” event to mark World TB Day, which falls on March 24, at Hua Lamphong station on Friday.

The event hosted by the BMA was attended by more than 300 officials from the BMA, the Ministry of Public Health and other relevant agencies as well as WHO representatives.

Mr Thaweesak said the BMA has continuously paid heed to addressing the spread of TB in the capital, which is the most populous province with around 10 million people.

The congestion easily led to the widespread dissemination of the disease. Therefore, people in the city should have a chest X-ray once a year in order to receive proper treatment in the event that TB is detected, he said.

According to Mr Thaweesak, a total of 11,789 TB patients were reported in Bangkok last year, of which 79.54% were completely cured of the disease.

However, he said the figures were lower than those stipulated by the WHO which says at least 85% of total patients must entirely recover.

Mr Thaweesak also suggested the public be vigilant of TB among their acquaintances and family members, saying they should see a doctor if they suspect they display TB symptoms.