This aspect is a major setback for the economical development of the district, as on an average, every person earns Rs 10,000 per year. Accordingly, the district suffers a financial loss of Rs 21.2 crore every year, sources said.

Considering the severity of the situation, the district has been selected for the implementation of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) for the current financial year. The programme will be sponsored by the Union Health and Family Welfare Department and Central TB control division.

Besides Raichur, Bellary, Chitradurga and Bijapur districts have also been selected for the implementation of the programme. A district levelimplementation committee has been formed here and Deputy Commissioner Ashok Dalwai is the chairman of the committee.

Zilla Panchayat CEORavishankar and District Health Officer Dr V A Shetty are the vice-presidents of the committee. District TB prevention officer Dr Ananth Reddy will be the member secretary.

District surgeon, executive engineer, IMA chairman, district information officer and DDPI are the members of the committee.

The officials hope that implementation of the new programme will considerably reduce loss of life.