WE SHARE Mr Sebastian Tan's concerns expressed in his letter, "Create database of TB patients to ensure regular treatment" (my paper, April 1).

He suggested a central database of all tuberculosis (TB) cases be set up and that stiff action be taken against those who persistently default on treatment.

Under the Infectious Diseases Act, all cases of TB have to be reported to the TB Control Unit.

The TB Registry will track the treatment progress and results of all patients to ensure that they complete their treatment.

TB patients who persistently default on their treatment can be put under the Directly Observed Therapy programme.

The patient would need to take his medication under the direct observation of a health-care worker or be detained at the Communicable Disease Centre at Tan Tock Seng Hospital for treatment.

The fight against TB requires everyone's cooperation.

TB is a treatable disease and early diagnosis and completing one's treatment is key to the successful control of TB in Singapore.

TB patients should seek treatment promptly and complete it.

The community - family, friends and employers of TB patients - can also play a critical role in destigmatising the disease and providing the support and encouragement patients need to battle the disease.

Dr Lyn James
Director
Communicable diseases division
Ministry of Health

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