State responds to global call against TB
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal/Chandel, March 24 2014: Tuberculosis (TB) can be treated easily if the patient takes regular medicine, said Dr Motilal, former Director, Health Services, Manipur while speaking on the occasion of observing the 33rd World TB Day 2014 today.

Taking part in the observance function held at the conference hall of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) here on Monday as Chief Guest, Dr Motilal said that human central nervous system is equally susceptible to TB which is dangerous.

The observance function was jointly organised by the Medical Directorate, Manipur, State TB Society, District TB Control Societies, Imphal East & West, Manipur.

Dr Motilal explained that if one's central nervous system is infected with TB then the person's whole body may completely become paralyze, rendering him or her in an unconscious state of mind.

The cost of medical treatment for such types of TB is very high, Dr Motilal said, while recollecting some of his personal experience of treating several patients suffering from this TB type when he was in service.

33rd World TB Day 2014

A neuro department in any hospital requires good neuro surgeons and medical equipments for successful treatment of TB, he added.

Dr N Tombi, retired Professor, Department of Chest and Respiratory Disease, RIMS, who attended the observance function as one of the guests of honour, pointed out that almost 9 million people fall prey yearly to TB across the globe and nearly 3 million out of the total TB sufferers are in vulnerable condition due to ignorance about the disease.

He said that massive awareness programme on TB is still needed for these people, and that the World TB Day is observed on March 24 every year throughout the world to spread awareness on the disease and to take up necessary precautionary measures.

Dr Tombi maintained that the chances of getting infected with TB are high among people whose immune systems are weak and hence people should always keep their bodies strong and healthy to defend themselves from TB.

Moreover, the efforts for prevention and eradication of TB call for collective help and support from the NGOs, social organizations, local clubs, stakeholders and every section of the society as well, he noted.

Dr Tombi suggested that 3, 700 ASHAs and Anganwadi workers can comfortably collect sputum and submit to medical officers for test.

The Government will give incentive awards to such voluntary workers for their valuable service, he said.

Dr O Ibomcha, Director, State Mission, NRHM and Director, Family Welfare Services, Manipur was also present as a guest of honour, said TB is a 'silent killer' which is also curable through proper medical care.

India is almost at the final gate to completely get rid of Polio and why not TB too, he exhorted the gathering.

Work and activities taken up towards eradicating TB should not be delayed by measuring the size of fund as the Government of India has been releasing a lot of money to deal with TB.

But it seems that the concerned Government department always failed to submit utilization certificates on time due to which there are financial constraints in fighting TB in Manipur, Dr Ibomcha observed.

Dr A Bijoy of Directorate of Health Services, Manipur presided over the observance function during which five persons from various DOTs centres and Anganwadi workers were honoured along with presenting cash incentive awards of Rs 1,000 and certificates each for their contribution towards eradicating TB.

Some TB patients who have undergone DOTs treatment also shared their experiences and demonstrated the way they take medicines during the function.

The World TB Day observance for Chandel district was held at the Primary Health Centre, Chakpikarong under the theme of, 'Reach the three Million find, treat and cure TB' .

The observance function was organized by District Tuberculosis Control Society, Chandel in association with Project Axshya-Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA), Chandel.

SDO of Chakpikarong S Thienlaljoy Gangte; District AIDS Control Officer ( DACO) Dr Kesho S Moirangthem and President of Anal Naga Chief's Association Chakpikarong RD Thumdang attended the function as Chief Guest, functional president and Guest of Honour respectively.

Delivering the key note addesss, District Tuberculosis Officer Dr Emerson Khartu elaborated on the theme and presented a brief RNTCP profile of the district.

Speaking on the occasion, S Thienlaljoy Gangte stated that the main purpose of the day is to spread awareness about the TB.

He observed that good Health is the most important and precious thing in life without which we could not accumulate knowledge and wealth as well.

So, we must take good care of our health.

He said that Cohesive, Intensive and inclusive role of all is required for eradication and elimination of TB.

While appreciating the effort of the organizers, he also expressed hope that the programme will go a long way in benefitting the people.

Other important speakers of the day included District AIDS Control Officer( DACO), Dr Kesho S Moirangthem and President of Anal Naga Chief's Association Chakpikarong, RD Thumdang, RCC Secretary Rock Roel and District Coordinator of of Axshya-EHA Alice Ngoruh.

As main part of the programme, Axshyas NGOs performed a skit on Tuberculosis and it followed by a Quiz competition in which the ASHA group bagged the first prize.

The observance function was also attended by Chiefs, Pastors, representatives of various civil organizations, health workers and school going students and their teachers.