MOHMAND: Health authorities in Mohmand district have expressed concern over the growing burden of tuberculosis (TB) in the region, warning that lack of public awareness and hesitation in seeking timely medical care were undermining efforts to control the disease.

District TB Control Programme In-charge Dr Abdul Sattar Khan said a large number of patients in the area were suffering from pulmonary or chest TB, which he described as the most infectious and dangerous form of the disease.

Talking to reporters, he said most cases in Mohmand were being reported from border-adjacent and remote areas, including Khwezai, Baizai, Danish Kol, Sagi Bala, Sagi Payan and Qandharo.

He added that poor community awareness continues to be a major barrier, as many patients avoid visiting health facilities for diagnosis and screening.

He said free diagnostic and treatment services, including X-Rays, laboratory tests and medicines, are available at TB centres across the district.

A modern digital X-Ray plant has also recently been installed at the District Headquarters Hospital, Ghalanai, to improve diagnostic capacity.

At present, three TB treatment centres are functioning, one each at the District Headquarters Hospital, Ghalanai, Rural Health Centre, Yakka Ghund, and Basic Health Unit, Ayesha Kor, he said.

Dr Khan said common symptoms of TB include a persistent cough lasting more than a week, excessive sweating, weakness, and digestive disturbances.

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2026