World TB Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 24 2012: Tuberculosis is curable by 85 per cent through DOT system, said Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing.

He was speaking at the 31st World TB Day function organised at RIMS Jubilee Hall as chief guest today.

The Health Minister said, although TB is curable, people must take preventive measures to fend off the disease.

If anybody experiences lack of appetite and detect blood stain in sputum, he/she must immediately check at any of the 50 designated microscopic centres, he added.

Urging the gathering not to be panic if they are diagnosed with TB, the Health Minister informed that 39,120 people currently are undergoing TB treatment since 2011 in the State.

The State has a multi drug resistance TB (MDR TB) centre at JNIMS, Phungzathang Tonsing said and adding that 25 MDR TB patients are currently undergoing treatment.

The Health Minister also urged those infected with TB to take medicines regularly to avoid MDR TB.

Health Commissioner K Moses Chalai was the president of the function.

Health Services Director Dr Sh Surchandra Sharma, RIMS Director Dr S Sekharjit, JNIMS Superintendent Dr W Gopimohon, Zonal Task Force NE Chairman Prof N Tombi were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.

Speaking at the occasion, Moses Chalai said that Manipur is the most TB prevalent State in the North East.

He also urged the doctors, subordinate staff involving in TB treatment and patients to extend co-operation among themselves in order to control the disease.

Five best DOT providers of Imphal East and Imphal West were feted with Rs 1000 each for the year 2012 in today's function.

Laishram Romesh Singh was feted with State best laboratory attendant prize.

Senior Treatment Supervisor of DTCS Tamenglong, S Ibomcha was honoured with best senior treatment supervisor award.

Two best staff of Imphal West were also felicitated.

Earlier in the morning, a rally was flagged off from RD Wing, Lamphel by Health Services Director Sh Surchandra Sharma.

The rally concluded at RIMS Jubilee Hall where the main function was organised.

Sweetmeats were also distributed to the TB patients undergoing treatment at various district hospitals by a team led by State TB Officer Dr RK Lakhsana in connection with the celebration.

Observance at Tamenglong: The day was also held at Tamenglong district headquarters under the theme, 'Stop TB in lifetime', reports our Correspondent.

The function was graced by Tamenglong CEO RK Ragaisin as chief guest.

A rally taken part by around 260 people was flagged off by Tamenglong DC C Arthur.

The observance was also held at Senapati district headquarters while Lions Club of Leimarol observed the day by donating towels, eatables and medicines to TB patients in Chingmeirong.

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