446 cases of MDR-TB, 11 cases of XDR-TB detected in Meghalaya
TB patient during the programme to observe World TB Day at U Soso Tham
Auditorium in the city on Tuesday. (ST)
Shillong: Meghalaya State Tuberculosis Control Society in collaboration with East Khasi Hills District Tuberculosis Society and Project Axshya observed World Tuberculosis Day on Tuesday at U Soso Tham Auditorium, here on the theme “Reach, Treat, Cure everyone”.
Meghalaya Chief Secretary P.B.O. Warjri, Chief Secretary, addressed the gathering as the chief guest.
Dr. T.I. Rangad, State Tuberculosis Officer, delivered the key note address and stated that a new network ‘Stop TB Partnership’ has been launched by the various organizations to fight against TB by highlighting the scope of prevention and cure of this disease to the common public.
She further informed that the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) has achieved success in reduction of morbidity, mortality and prevalence in the State and the since 2012, the entire state has been covered under programmatic management of drug resistance tuberculosis which is a burning health problem in Meghalaya.
Under the programme, about 446 cases of MDR-TB are on treatment, 11 cases of XDR-TB are diagnosed, 41 cases of TB-HIV co-infected in 2014 are diagnosed and about 5000 TB cases are treated annually, she stated.
During the programme, the chief guest felicitated the best DOTS providers selected from all the districts and awards were also given to cured MDR patients. Certificate of appreciation was given to HG Robert Nursing School, Rapsbun School of Nursing, Nazareth Hospital and School of Nursing, Civil Hospital.
The Day was also observed at District Library Auditorium, Mynthong, Jowai. A TB awareness rally was flagged off from Marian Playground attended by a good number of students from different schools of Jowai which concluded at the District Library Auditorium.
Deputy Commissioner cum Chairman of District Tuberculosis Centre Society, Jowai, P.S. Dkhar, was the chief guest.
Dr. E.B.V. Laloo, District TB Officer cum Secretary DTCS, Jaintia Hills, also spoke on the occasion.
Dr. I. Khyriem, Medical Officer, TB Control DTCS, Dr. J.N Shullai, Director, MCSWA, Dr. B. Lato, DM & HO, West Jaintia Hills, and Andrew A Shullai, MDC, also spoke on the occasion.
In Nongstoin, the West Khasi Hills District Tuberculosis Control Society, Nongstoin Treatment Unit observed the Day with a function attended by L.G. Nongsiej, MDC, Dr. P. Lyngkhoi, Joint Director Research, Pasteur Institute, Dr. W.W Phira, Additional District Medical & Health Officer, West Khasi Hills, Dr. C. Iangrai, District Tuberculosis Officer, WKH, Dr. I. Wahlang, Medical Superintendent, Civil Hospital, Dr. R.H Basaiawmoit, Medical Officer Treatment Centre, Nongstoin, school students and teachers of various school from Nongstoin.