Dipayal, June 25:

The Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) programme for TB patients is being affected in Doti and Accham, hilly districts in the far-western region, following a rise in the number of HIV patients there. More and more TB patients were taking medicines under the DOTS programme.

According to health workers, AIDS patients also show symptoms of TB. TB patients face the risk of HIV infection, they said.

“Four TB patients, who were taking medicine under the DOTS programme, were found infected with HIV recently at Pachanali VDC in Doti,” said Nirmal Dhungana of the Hasti AIDS Organisation. Most of the TB patients were found infected with HIV/AIDS in Achham. “Many HIV/AIDS infected persons are availing themselves of DOTS programme,” said Dr Bhim Singh Tingkari of the Regional Health Directorate.