Yes. TB can be cured if the full course of the prescribed drugs is taken regularly, and without interruption. The WHO-approved standardized and effective cure for TB, called DOTS (directly-observed treatment, short-course) is available in all countries of the South-East Asia Region. It takes at least 6–8 months of medication to completely treat the disease. It is very important that the patient takes all the prescribed drugs for the recommended duration.
It is dangerous, both for the patient, family members and the community, if he/she stops taking medication before the prescribed course is completed and without medical advice. The TB germs that are still alive become even stronger, or ”resistant” to the drugs. Stronger drugs are then needed to kill these “super” TB germs if the treatment is not completed the first time.
