Nearly 500 people were screened for early detection of tuberculosis and lung diseases at the facility.

During 5 days (August 18-22), the Center for Disease Control (CDC) of Lao Cai province coordinated with the Van Chan Regional Medical Center to conduct screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma combined with tuberculosis screening for the second phase in 2025 for nearly 500 people at the Van Chan Commune Health Station, Nghia Tam and Cau Thia Ward, Nghia Lo.

Báo Lào Cai•22/08/2025

At health stations, people with signs of cough, shortness of breath, prolonged cough with phlegm... and people with asthma, COPD, suspected tuberculosis, people in contact with tuberculosis patients from 2024 to present are clinically screened, have digital X-rays, measure respiratory function, and test sputum with Gene Xpert machine.

At the same time, doctors also provide health advice, health education , and seasonal disease prevention for patients. Those in close contact with tuberculosis patients and those with lung lesions on X-rays are given Tuberculin injections to prevent the disease.

Mr. HVT, Ban Han residential group, Cau Thia ward shared: "I have had a persistent cough for a long time, I am tired, and I do not have the conditions to go to large hospitals for a health check. This time, I was examined clinically by doctors, had a digital X-ray, and measured my respiratory function... I am very happy that the doctors diagnosed me with bronchial asthma and gave me timely treatment advice to avoid serious complications."

On this occasion, the health stations also screened for other chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, history of drug addiction, people with HIV and non-communicable diseases for the people to manage and advise on treatment. Cases with symptoms of tuberculosis and lung diseases were sampled by the provincial TB Center for testing and advice on treatment management according to the regulations of the National Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program.

This is also an opportunity for doctors and nurses at medical stations to learn and exchange experiences in medical examination and treatment and community health care.

Doctor Doan Thi Lan Anh - Head of Phuc Son Medical Station, Cau Thia Ward said: "The whole commune has over 7,259 people, the people are mainly farmers and forestry workers, 99% are ethnic minorities, with little opportunity to take care of their health. Currently, there are 3 cases of tuberculosis being treated in the area. Therefore, this is an opportunity for them to have their health checked, the people are very excited, coming very early to get medical examination".

Doctors and nurses screen people for lung diseases.

As a result, after 5 days of screening for COPD, asthma, and tuberculosis at commune and ward health stations, the provincial Center for Disease Control collected 26 sputum samples suspected of tuberculosis for Gene Xpert testing, administered 30 Mantoux injections to screen for latent tuberculosis in relatives of tuberculosis patients, detected 16 cases of COPD, 5 cases of bronchial asthma, and performed X-rays on 450 people. Cases of tuberculosis, asthma, and COPD detected through screening were promptly managed and treated according to regulations.

The screening program for early detection of tuberculosis and lung diseases at the grassroots level helps people better understand the policies of the Party and State in health care for the people and improve their understanding of prevention and control of lung diseases, contributing to the gradual elimination of tuberculosis and reduction of COPD and asthma in the province.