Momin Shaida was consulting the privately practicing general physician for weakness unaware of the cause. HPPI’s field officer was informed by that general physician, Dr Naseem at New Azad Nagar about Shaida possibly having TB. When the field officer reached out to thirty-year-old Shaida at her residence in Nai Basti slum in New Azad Nagar, Mumbai she showed all the symptoms of TB. Shaida was counselled about the disease and how taking medicines regularly can cure it. Consequently, her sputum test and chest X-ray showed her to have TB. A doctor at the nearby Primary Health Centre confirmed Shaida’s TB and prescribed her medicines in August 2023. 

Shaida’s family too was counselled about the importance of medicines and improving the nutritional value of her food. Shaida lives with her three sisters and parents in a very small and poorly ventilated room. They were also explained to mask and distance themselves to stop the spread of the disease.

During the field officer’s subsequent follow-up visits, Shaida’s eldest sister Shaina consulted her. Thirty-one year old Shaina was concerned about a small lump in her throat. She has thyroid and was confused about the lump. The field officer got Shaina tested fir TB, but her chest X-ray report showed her to be without TB. Ultimately, a Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) test was performed on her lump and Shaina too was diagnosed with TB by a specialist in September 2023. Like the younger sister, Shaina was counselled about the disease and how to get better. Both sisters were connected with the Nikshay Poshan Yojana through which they get Rs 500 each from the government for nutritional food.

Shaina, the only earning member of a family of 6 (4 sisters and 2 parents) was concerned about continuing earning her living. Fortunately, her workplace has been understanding, allowing her lesser working hours suitable for her recovery.

The entire family of the sisters were screened and the girls’ parents were found to have TB. While the mother is on her TB treatment course the father’s treatment is yet to start. He had other medical issues like asthma, blood pressure and diabetes and the doctor advised first to improve these conditions and then to start TB treatment. 

Even though the family was scared with most of them contracting TB, timely intervention, guidance and hand holding by the field officer gave them hope. Shania’s and Shaida’s improved health has also been reassuring for them. What started with treating one patient cascaded into treating and supporting the entire family.