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Category Healthcare
SUB CATEGORIES General  |  HIV |  Medical Schemes | 

Reduction of TB claims might be seen following the budget speech

19 March 2012 Liberty Corporate

Tuberculosis (TB) like common flu is contagious and can spread from one person to another. Actual statistics are difficult to quantify as the majority of cases overlap with HIV, however TB is common amongst blue collar workers. The prevalence is higher am

These sectors usually have on-site occupational health doctors, clinics or nurses who perform routine fitness examinations, which is crucial in early detection of the disease. It therefore becomes imperative for businesses to take a proactive role in educating employees on how to prevent and recognise the symptoms, in order to treat TB and minimize the spread to other co-workers.

According to Evodia Mosime, Case Manager at Liberty Corporate, the recent budget speech by Minister Pravin Gordhan, brought some relief to the South African public infected and affected by HIV/TB and the Insurance industry at large. The allocation of funds to antiretroviral treatment at a threshold of 350 CD4 count as opposed to 200 cell count in the past, will assist to uplift the burden of the disease faced by South Africa.

A CD4 count of 200 is indicative of compromised immune system, making one’s body susceptible to illnesses and infections. Receiving treatment only when the CD4 count is low, minimizes the chances of recovery compared to when introduced earlier; a normal CD4 count is between 700 and 1000.

“Left untreated, TB is among the leading causes of *disabilities and deaths among millions of people in developing countries. The commitment by government will increase the number of people who are able to take antiretroviral (ARVs) as early as possible, before they become more susceptible to opportunistic infections such as TB.

Early management of the disease, she says, will be hugely beneficial. Majority of our HIV cases have pulmonary TB (in the lungs) or other forms of TB which can cause disability. We are excited about this initiative and the positive impact it will have on our claims experiences related to HIV/TB” she says.

Unlike other diseases, TB is easy to detect; common symptoms include cough, night sweats and weight loss, providing employers with an opportunity to advise employees to seek medical attention to prevent wide spread among the workforce. While the responsibility to test remains with individuals, employers can play an important role in educating the workforce, she concludes.

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