Women's Battle with TB in Varanasi: How Dr. J.K. Samaria is Championing Gender-Sensitive Care

 Amid the vibrant sarees and sacred rituals of Varanasi, accessing a reliable TB doctor in Varanasi is crucial, especially for women who face unique vulnerabilities to tuberculosis. Dr. J.K. Samaria, a seasoned pulmonologist at Samaria Multi-Speciality & Chest Centre, has emerged as a champion for women's health in this domain, addressing the gendered aspects of TB with compassion and expertise.

Tuberculosis disproportionately affects women in India due to factors like malnutrition, indoor air pollution from cooking with biomass fuels, and delayed healthcare seeking because of societal roles. In Varanasi, where many women work in homes or informal sectors like bangle-making, exposure to smoke and dust heightens risks. Dr. Samaria, with his background at Banaras Hindu University, recognized this early in his career and tailored his practice accordingly.

At his clinic in Manduadih, Dr. Samaria implements gender-sensitive protocols, such as female-only consultation hours and counseling sessions that address stigma. TB in women can lead to complications like infertility or pregnancy issues, as the disease affects reproductive health. He educates patients on how TB bacteria can spread to the uterus or ovaries, advocating for integrated care with gynecologists. One of his key initiatives is screening programs for pregnant women, where he uses safe diagnostics like chest X-rays with abdominal shielding.

Dr. Samaria's approach includes nutritional support, prescribing iron-rich diets and supplements to combat anemia, which weakens immunity against TB. He draws from local resources, recommending Varanasi's fresh produce like guavas and spinach. His research highlights how hormonal changes during menstruation or menopause influence TB progression, pushing for hormone-aware treatments.

Community outreach is central to his work. In Varanasi's ghats and ashrams, he organizes workshops for women's groups, debunking myths that TB is a "curse" and encouraging early testing. During festivals like Chhath Puja, when women fast, he advises on maintaining hydration to prevent TB flares. His clinic partners with self-help groups to distribute free masks and sanitizers, reducing transmission in households.

Inspiring stories abound from his patients. A young mother from a riverside village recovered from extrapulmonary TB under his care, crediting his empathetic listening for her adherence to the six-month regimen. Another, a teacher, overcame MDR-TB while balancing work, thanks to flexible appointment timings. Dr. Samaria's advocacy extends to policy; he has lobbied for better female representation in TB research trials, noting that women are underrepresented despite higher burdens.

He also addresses co-morbidities like HIV-TB in women, offering confidential testing and antiretrovirals. In Varanasi's conservative society, his discreet services empower women to seek help without fear. Looking forward, Dr. Samaria aims to integrate digital tools, like apps for symptom tracking, tailored for low-literacy users.

Through his tireless efforts, Dr. J.K. Samaria is not just treating TB but transforming women's lives, fostering a healthier, more equitable Varanasi.