The Association of Medical Consultants, Mumbai participated in the KEM Hospital Marathon to pledge their support towards ‘Eradication of Tuberculosis’ in the country. On Gandhi Jayanti, the doctor community participated in the marathon for a cause to raise awareness about this deadly disease.

India notified more than 2.4 million TB cases in 2019 and continues to have the largest share of the global TB burden, according to the National Health Portal of India. The COVID-19 pandemic drew too much attention in the last few years, side lining other public health issues which have become a global crisis.  Tuberculosis is no less of a pandemic and requires urgent attention and faster intervention to avoid the rising death numbers not only in India but globally too.

Dr Nilima Vaidya Bhamare, President, Association of Medical Consultants, Mumbai, said, “Tuberculosis is a preventable and curable disease however as a country we are yet to get a grip on the infectious disease. Lack of awareness about the dangers of TB, accessibility to diagnosis and testing coupled with affordability of treatment are increasing the disease burden in the country. The spread of Tuberculosis can be reduced if we follow preventive measures such as covering of mouth while coughing or sneezing, refraining from spitting in public places, using masks to reduce the transmission of air-borne diseases, a practice that can be extended beyond covid-19 and followed for other transmittable diseases.

We as an association of forward-thinking medical practitioners are doing our bit by supporting KEM Hospital in the marathon held for this cause.”

The marathon witnessed a participation of around 900 runners who chose to run either 10km, 5 km or 3km depending on their stamina and interest. The marathon begun at 5.30 am and ended with a speech from the representative from AMC, Mumbai.