The number of tuberculosis patients is increasing in Rupandehi, according to data from the Rupandehi Health Office. Currently, there are 1,833 tuberculosis patients in the district, and 54 people have died from the disease so far. The Government of Nepal has set a target to prevent the spread of tuberculosis to more than 20 people per 100,000 population by 2030. According to Tikaram Adhikari, Senior Tuberculosis and Leprosy Expert at the Rupandehi Health Office, controlling tuberculosis in the district has been challenging due to its border location. He stated that for prevention, screening is being conducted in the border areas, and sputum tests are carried out when symptoms appear.
In Rupandehi, even children under four years of age are affected by tuberculosis. According to data, the highest number of tuberculosis cases in the district is in Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City with 425 patients, while the lowest is in Kothimai Rural Municipality with 41 patients. Similarly, Uma Devi Thapa, Chief of the Rupandehi Health Office, stated that if the system for community-based detection, diagnosis, and treatment is strengthened, the goal is to eliminate tuberculosis by 2050. According to Dr. Nandu Pathak, Senior Physician at Lumbini Provincial Hospital, Butwal, tuberculosis can be cured by taking medication regularly for six months. He urged everyone to seek timely treatment.