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Jaipur, 24 March , 2026: The recent tuberculosis screening drive conducted by the Health Department in Rajasthan in December 2025 has brought a hard truth to light- Tuberculosis continues to be a serious public health challenge. TB, an infectious disease caused by bacteria, remains one of the world’s most persistent infectious diseases and India is also a part of this global burden with approximately 28 lakh (2.8 million) new TB cases reported annually, representing over 25% of the global burden. These ‘hidden cases’ underline why awareness, early testing and completing treatment are crucial to control TB. Dr Ankit Bansal, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur said tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that most commonly affects the lungs, but it can also involve the lymph nodes, bones, brain and other organs. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Contrary to popular belief, TB does not only affect the poor or undernourished but anyone who is exposed to it. Dr Ankit Bansal, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur lists symptoms, treatment and preventive measures of Tuberculosis. Common symptoms you should not ignore: • A cough lasting more than two weeks• Fever, especially in the evenings and night sweats• Unexplained weight loss• Loss of appetite and persistent fatigue• Blood in sputum in advanced casesTreatment: TB is curable:The most reassuring fact about tuberculosis is that it can be cured. With the right treatment taken the right way, people recover fully and go back to normal life. TB treatment usually means taking a fixed combination of medicines for about 6 to 9 months, which are provided free of cost under the national TB programme. Patients identified during the recent Rajasthan screening drive are being connected to treatment promptly to prevent further spread of the infection. What truly matters is completing the entire course, even if symptoms improve early. Stopping medicines midway can allow the disease to return in a more dangerous, drug-resistant form that is much harder to treat. Preventing TB: Simple steps make a big difference:• If a cough, fever or unexplained weight loss lingers, don’t wait it out, get checked• A cough or fever lasting more than two weeks is not “just seasonal” and needs attention• Cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing and ensure proper ventilation• Eat regular, nutritious meals and keep illnesses like diabetes well controlled• Avoid smoking and cut down on alcohol, as both weaken the body’s defence against infections• Offer support to anyone undergoing TB treatment as getting treated is the right step .With early testing, timely treatment and community awareness, TB can be controlled and cured. The key message is simple: TB is serious, but it is treatable, and early action saves lives.

Highest reported series in the world Gurugram, 12th March, 2026 : Minimally invasive treatment, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, offers several advantages such as smaller incisions, reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stay. The GI surgical team at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram, has been using these advanced techniques in the management of chronic pancreatitis, treating patients with complex pancreatic duct stones and ductal obstruction. Chronic pancreatitis often affects young patients in the prime of their lives, who may suffer from debilitating abdominal pain, diabetes, and significant weight loss, severely affecting their quality of life.One such case involved a 27-year-old man who had been suffering from repeated episodes of severe abdominal pain requiring multiple hospital visits. Imaging showed stones blocking the pancreatic duct along with dilation of the duct. The patient underwent a minimally invasive pancreatic drainage procedure that created a new pathway for pancreatic juices to drain into the intestine. His pain improved significantly following surgery, and he was discharged in stable condition within five days. Another case involved an 11-year-old boy who presented with severe abdominal pain and jaundice. He was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis with obstruction of the bile duct. The surgical team performed a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure to drain the pancreatic duct and relieve the bile duct obstruction, restoring the normal flow of digestive and biliary secretions. The child recovered well following the surgery. Expert CommentSpeaking about the surgical experience, Dr. Amit Javed, Principal Director & HOD – Laparoscopic GI, GI Oncology, Bariatric & MIS Surgery, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said: “Chronic pancreatitis significantly affects patients’ quality of life, leading to persistent abdominal pain and digestive difficulties. Minimally invasive laparoscopic pancreatic drainage procedures help relieve ductal obstruction, remove pancreatic stones, and restore pancreatic drainage. Compared to traditional open surgery, this approach allows faster recovery, reduced postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stays. FMRI Gurugram is among the few centres in India performing these complex laparoscopic pancreatic procedures, and our team has successfully treated close to 200 patients using this approach.” Yash Rawat, Facility Director & Senior Vice President, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, added: “The successful management of these complex cases highlights the growing expertise in advanced minimally invasive pancreatic surgery at Fortis Memorial Research Institute. By combining surgical precision with modern laparoscopic techniques, the hospital continues to expand treatment options for patients suffering from complex pancreatic disorders. Such advancements help reduce surgical trauma, promote faster recovery, and improve long-term patient outcomes.” The GI surgical team at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram, has performed close to 200 minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries for patients with chronic pancreatitis, representing one of the highest reported series of laparoscopic pancreatic surgeries for chronic pancreatitis in the world. With advances in minimally invasive techniques, selected patients can now be treated laparoscopically, offering potential advantages such as smaller incisions, faster recovery, and reduced postoperative discomfort. Most patients underwent laparoscopic pancreatic duct drainage procedures, where the obstructed pancreatic duct is opened and connected to the intestine to allow improved drainage of pancreatic juices and relief of ductal pressure.