The Hospital San Juan de Lurigancho, part of the Ministry of Health, announced on March 24 that it conducted 295 free tuberculosis detection tests during the first two months of 2026. The announcement was made as part of World Tuberculosis Day, which is observed every March 24.
The hospital said that out of the total tests performed, there were 23 confirmed cases of tuberculosis and six cases identified as resistant to treatment. All individuals with resistant tuberculosis are currently receiving medical care.
Susana Arévalo Rodríguez, coordinator for the hospital’s Tuberculosis Health Strategy, said: “En el hospital realizamos pruebas de diagnóstico como BK cultivo, GeneXpert, rayos X, tomografía y ecografía. Además, contamos con un equipo multidisciplinario, conformado por neumólogos, enfermeros, biólogos y técnicos, para abordar la enfermedad. También, hacemos interconsulta a otras especialidades si el caso lo requiere.”
Tuberculosis is described as an infectious and highly contagious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. The main symptoms include persistent cough with phlegm or blood (hemoptysis), low body weight, night sweats, fatigue, loss of appetite and fever. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets released when an infected person talks or laughs; people with weakened immune systems or conditions such as diabetes or HIV are more susceptible to infection.
To prevent infection among the population Susana Arévalo Rodríguez recommends maintaining a balanced diet; avoiding drugs and alcohol; covering one’s mouth when coughing; spitting into paper and disposing it properly; vaccinating newborns with BCG; and ventilating living spaces.
Free sputum testing for TB is available at Hospital San Juan de Lurigancho from Monday to Saturday between 7:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and again from 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., with results provided within 24 hours. Medical consultations with a pulmonologist are available by appointment from 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
