World Tb Day observed
SHILLONG: On the occasion of World TB Day, a plea for TB patients to come forward to take advantage of medical facilities available was made by the Health Department of the state, as well as for them to adhere to the treatment which may take months.
The Meghalaya State Tuberculosis Control Society observed the annual World TB Day under the theme ‘Unite to end TB’ on Friday at Soso Tham auditorium with the target to take stock of the disease in collaboration with different sectors in their fight to eradicate the disease.
Health Minister Roshan Warjri observed that the state would be able to reduce TB cases, if not eradicate as the deadly disease is a major problem faced by the state.
“In the early 50s, tuberculosis was a sort of taboo, stigma was there. With the advancement of medical technology, there is hope for cure and facility for treatment is available,” she said.
National Health Mission, Director, H.M. Shangpliang stated that most TB patients refuse to visit hospitals and prefer to go to a private practitioner.
“In a meeting with the private practitioners, we cautioned them to kindly examine the patients more seriously and ask their patients to undergo tests,” he said.
Shangpliang informed that majority of the patients are from the student community adding that “Patients should be able to take advantage of medical facilities available as people usually give up half way.”
The welcome song presented during the function focused on the need to eliminate the disease from the state as many lives are ruined by the disease and the health department is taking upon itself to take care of the people suffering from it.
State Tuberculosis Officer, M. Hooroo, informed that 28 million have developed TB in India, 4. 8 lakhs die in India from the disease. The number of TB cases reported in the state is 4268 in 2016.
She informed that the country has the highest TB burden as per the World TB report, 2016. India has been fighting the deadly disease for the last 55 years; however, it continues to be a threat.
When it comes to the success of RNTCP, Hooroo said that success rate is 86% and expressed dismay that most patients do not adhere to the treatment course.
“Adherence to treatment is a must to win the war against TB,” she said.
On the occasion, Nazareth Hospital Laboratory, the RNTCP accredited Laboratory in the State of Meghalaya, was felicitated for diagnosis and follow up test of MDR-TB.