MDR-TB infection rising in state; Minister Phungzathang for a state TB Policy
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 19 2012: To sensitize the legislators and intellectuals on the issue of Tuberculosis (TB), a day-long advocacy workshop on 'Care and Control of TB in Manipur' was organised under the joint aegis of Manipur State TB Society, Manipur State TB NGO forum and Global Health Advocate, India at Hotel Classic here today.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr RK Laksana, State TB Officer, Manipur informed that the Multi Drug Resistance TB (MDR-TB) which surfaces due to improper and erratic use of Directly Observed Treatment (DOTS) has become a matter of serious concern not only in the state of Manipur, but throughout the country today.

The average rate of people infected by MDR-TB in the country is 12-18 percent.

However, the rate of infection in the state of Manipur is more than double the all India rate.

From among the 73 persons tested for MDR-TB in the state, a total of 28 persons have been tested positive which is about 38 percent.

MP Dr T Meinya lighting the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate an advocacy workshop on�Care and Control of TB in Manipur� at Hotel Classic, Imphal

He pointed out that in spite of this serious health concern, JNIMS is the only place in Manipur where MDR-TB can be treated.

But the block where this treatment is to be provided is still under construction.

As such there is no place in Manipur for the treatment of MDR-TB in the state at present.

The State TB Officer went on to say that the treatment of MDR-TB takes a long time starting from 24 months to 28 months and the treatment cost is quite high, about Rs 2 lakhs.

At present, the test for MDR-TB is carried out at the Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL) at R&D Wing, Lamphel.

But the report is to be further sent to National Reference Laboratory, Delhi for confirmation and the final result will arrive after around three months.

Nonetheless, the officer informed that the IRL in Manipur will be developed so that states like Nagaland and Mizoram can be covered.

Stating that MDR-TB is mainly caused due to untimely and regular use of DOTS, Dr Laksana appealed to all to maintain adherence in taking DOTS and also to take it from the government health institutes where it is provided free of cost instead of going to private hospitals.

Considering the alarming cases of TB and MDR-TB in the state, Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing, who was also present on the occasion as a panelist, underscored the need for setting up of a separate Health and TB Policy of the state.

The Minister noted that although TB patients are not discriminated and stigmatized like the HIV and AIDS patients, still they face stigma and discrimination in the state.

So, we all need to come together to address the issue and fight against TB.

The panel discussion was also attended by MP Dr T Meinya, MLA Dr I Ibohalbi, MLA Dr Ng Bijoy, K Moses Chalai, Commissioner Health; A Mobi, President All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU), Th Nganba NGO representative and Dr Jayenta, NGO representative.

Dr Meena Seram, Deputy Director, MACS, Dr N Tombi, HOD, Chest and Respiratory Diseases, RIMS and Mr Eraijao, YES, NGO also deliberated on different topics during the workshop.