“It all started around three and half years ago, in 2021. I had a severe cough, fever, and was sweating more than usual. At first, I thought it was just the flu. But when my symptoms didn’t get better, I went to the hospital. After a few tests, the doctors confirmed I had tuberculosis (TB). I was shocked and confused. I didn’t know much about TB, and I couldn’t figure out how I got it. As a delivery agent, I thought I might have picked it up while working, but it still didn’t add up.
The treatment began immediately, and the healthcare team explained everything clearly. TB treatment has two phases, and I went through each step with a lot of support. The Intensive Phase was hard—daily medication and regular visits to the health centre. But it was the only way to start healing, and the doctors made sure to check in on me regularly. The Continuation Phase followed, which was less intense but just as important to fully clear the bacteria of TB from my system.
Throughout both phases, the government hospital staff of Fever Hospital made sure I stayed nourished and healthy, and I received regular counseling from healthcare workers. I couldn’t have done it without the free treatment and support from the system.
By 2023, I was declared cured and finally free of TB! But the journey wasn’t just about physical suffering—it also taught me a lot about the stigma attached to TB. There’s a lot of fear and shame around the disease, and many people avoid talking about it. I’ve learned that this stigma only makes the battle harder for people with TB. It’s important that we speak openly about it, support each other, and remind everyone that TB is treatable and preventable.
Since my recovery, I’ve started volunteering with a few NGOs and government awareness campaigns to help raise awareness and break the stigma. It’s crucial that we treat people with TB with kindness and dignity, and let them know they’re not alone in their fight. The government’s support was invaluable, and I’m proud to be a part of this effort to improve awareness and make sure no one feels isolated because of TB.”
- Vinod Kumar, TB Champion from Hyderabad