24 Dead, 27 Affected: Silicosis Ravages Panna Miners, TB Misdiagnosis Worsens Crisis

• Mine workers in Panna, Madhya Pradesh, are severely affected by silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused by silica dust.
• The health department often misdiagnoses silicosis as tuberculosis, leading to incorrect treatment that worsens the patients' condition.
• Out of 27 registered silicosis patients in Panna, 24 have already died, leaving families destitute.
• Despite demands from labor organizations for masks and specialized hospitals, concrete government action for prevention and treatment is lacking.
• Families of silicosis victims receive financial aid after death, but proper medical facilities and preventative measures for living workers are minimal.

Why It Matters: Deadly silicosis plagues Panna miners, exposing systemic health failures.