Yeongdeungpo-gu, Free Tuberculosis Screening for the Elderly

Public Health Center Conducts Annual Free Tuberculosis Screening for Seniors Aged 65 and Over
Early Detection and Treatment of Tuberculosis in Immunocompromised Elderly to Prevent Community Infection and Support Healthy Aging

Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon) announced that it will conduct a "free annual tuberculosis screening for seniors aged 65 and over" to ensure early detection and treatment of tuberculosis patients among the elderly, prevent the spread of tuberculosis in the community, and guarantee a healthy old age.

Tuberculosis is a fatal disease for the elderly with weakened immune systems. In the early stages of infection, it is difficult to detect because the symptoms are similar to those of a common cold, and many cases miss the treatment window.

In fact, the number of new tuberculosis patients aged 65 and over in Yeongdeungpo-gu is 72, accounting for more than half of the total 137 new patients, making early tuberculosis screening and prevention for the elderly more necessary than ever.

The district has designated the period until the end of the year as the "intensive promotion period for free annual tuberculosis screening for seniors aged 65 and over," and is promoting free tuberculosis screening based on the basic policy of "Cough = Signal, Screening = Protection."

The free screening can be received by visiting the public health center with an ID card. The screening process involves taking a chest X-ray, followed by a health consultation based on the results.

If the X-ray reading indicates a suspected tuberculosis case, a sputum test will be conducted additionally. The district coordinates with hospitals for confirmed tuberculosis cases to ensure that patients consistently take their medication. The cost of treatment is fully covered by the government. For vulnerable patients, nursing and transportation costs are supported to eliminate tuberculosis blind spots.

Choi Ho-kwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, stated, "Seniors have a higher risk of developing tuberculosis due to weakened immunity and often do not show typical tuberculosis symptoms, so regular tuberculosis screening is important," and added, "Tuberculosis is a disease that can be completely cured if detected early, so we hope everyone participates in the annual regular screening."