The distribution of TB meds at ART centers will reduce hassle for patients and reduce rush at the two centres holding up the fort. Representation pic

It was to battle two deadly ailments with one even-handed approach that the state TB department will now give TB medicines to HIV patients at all 15 Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centres every day, also free of cost. Currently, only two ART centres — at Nair and JJ Hospitals — provided it thrice a week, but following an order from the union government, with a delayed implementation, the change has been affected to curb the growing number of drug resistant TB cases.