Mera Khazana… I Was Also a TB Patient — Meeting Dr. Bhushan Brought Back Memories
We often say it jokingly, but the world truly is round.
This incident dates back to March 24, 2026. For quite some time, I had been experiencing itching on certain parts of my body. Initially, I ignored it, but when it worsened, I decided to consult a doctor. I called a known doctor at a reputed private hospital and told him I wanted to see a good skin specialist, as the itching was troubling me a lot. He suggested that if I wanted to consult the best, I should meet Dr. Bhushan, who sees patients at Shalby Hospital in Mohali.
The moment I heard the name Dr. Bhushan, it immediately caught my attention. I asked, “Is he the same Dr. Bhushan who used to be at PGI many years ago?” I added that it had been a long time. My friend confirmed that yes, it was the same doctor. I remarked that he must be quite old now, to which my friend replied, “Yes, he is.”
I then said, “If it’s the same Dr. Bhushan, I had taken treatment from him around 25–26 years ago for a skin problem.” I searched my phone and found an old landline number of his, which I used back then to take appointments. Unsure whether it still worked, I called Shalby Hospital’s reception directly. I was told that the doctor was available and would be there for another hour. I quickly got ready and reached the hospital.
His room was right next to the reception. As soon as I entered, I recognized him instantly. I was quite excited. As I sat down, the first thing I said was, “Doctor, the world really is round!” He looked at me in surprise, wondering what I meant.
I then narrated the entire story, saying that he might not remember, but I had been treated by him 26 years ago. I reminded him that he had conducted a biopsy from an itchy patch near my ankle, and the lab report had revealed that I had skin TB. I completed a full six-month course of treatment and was completely cured. Dr. Bhushan did not recall much initially, but when I mentioned CPI leader, the late Dr. Joginder Dayal (his classmate), he seemed to remember a little.
The memories from 25 years ago flashed before my eyes. At that time, I was working with the Ajit newspaper. My friend, the late Malkit Singh (Artist), who is no longer with us, had suggested that Dr. Bhushan at PGI was an expert and that I should consult him. Malkit Singh, a well-known artist who worked at PGI, personally helped me get all my tests done. In fact, whenever anyone from his circle of friends or relatives from villages needed help at PGI, Malkit was always there — a true friend who stood by everyone.
Back then, Dr. Bhushan also used to see patients at his residence in Sector 16. Initially, he tried treating me with medicines, but later, through a biopsy, it was confirmed to be TB.
In those days, TB was considered a serious and frightening disease, especially pulmonary TB, due to the risk of infection. I was also in a dilemma about whether to tell people or not. Eventually, I decided not to disclose it widely — only my wife and a couple of close friends knew. Although skin TB is not contagious, I still chose to keep it private.
Whenever there is any discussion about TB, I do share my experience with close relatives and friends. But today, after so many years, I am openly stating publicly that I was a TB patient and successfully recovered after treatment. At that time, I was around 50 years old, and I still have all the medical records from that period.
Coming back to the present, Dr. Bhushan examined me and reassured me not to worry, saying that the old illness would not recur. He explained that the current itching was mainly due to dryness. He prescribed an injection and some medicines. I also learned that he is now 83 years old, yet still fully alert and active.
The most interesting part was that the day I visited him — March 24 — happened to be World TB Day.
Whenever I see Amitabh Bachchan on television raising awareness about TB, or come across related news, I pay close attention and try to give it as much coverage as possible through my digital media platforms. I would also like to emphasize that TB is not an incurable disease — the key is timely diagnosis. As far as I remember, TB treatment was available free of cost in government hospitals then, and it continues to be so even today.
Baljit Balli
Editor-in-Chief, Babushahi Network
March 29, 2026
12:55 AM
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Baljit Balli, Editor-in-Chief, Babushahi Network, Tirchhi Nazar Media, Chd, India
tirshinazar@gmail.com
Phone No. : +91 9915177722
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