KARACHI, March 24: The city government is establishing a hospital exclusively for TB patients who are already being provided facilities for the diagnosis of the disease at 64 centres managed by the CDGK.

This was stated by City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal while addressing a meeting held in his office on Monday to consider steps taken by the city government to control TB. He said the TB Hospital was under construction in Malir, and hoped that patients, particularly from the poor and middle classes, would be able to get best treatment facilities after it was made functional.

Earlier, the CDGK health department and the TB Control Programme, Karachi, along with other partner NGOs, organised a walk to create awareness of TB among people. The walk was held to mark the World TB Day, observed on March 24 every year.

The walk started from Mashriq Centre and ended at the Civic Centre, where TB experts addressed the participants and highlighted various aspects of the disease.

The EDO health said that the city government was providing TB diagnosis and treatment at its various centres free of cost.

Dr Amanullah Ansari, the National Programme Officer of the WHO, expressed his concern over the prevalence of TB in the country but hoped that keeping in view the desire, determination and spirit among citizens, the menace would be brought under control soon.

Prof Zeenat Ayub, Dr Zafar Aijaz and Dr Asmat Ara also spoke on the occasion.—APP