By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 25: A sensitisation cum training programme for traditional healers on TB elimination was organised by the office of the District Tuberculosis Officer, East Khasi Hills at Sohra Community Health Centre, on Friday.
The programme was aimed at enlightening traditional healers while treating TB patients.
District Tuberculosis Officer, East Khasi Hills, Shillong Dr B Shanpru appealed to all traditional healers to work and cooperate together with the government so that tuberculosis can be eliminated and make the country free from TB.
In the fight towards TB elimination by 2025, Dr. Shanpru sensitised the participants and the members of the village health councils on TB free villages and announced that the government will be giving a TB Free Village Certificate and mementoes to villages who will qualify the criteria for the same. Dr Shanpru, explained that TB diseases is cause by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and it is an airborne disease.
She further explained on the signs and symptoms and encouraged the traditional healers to screened the patients according to the following signs ie. cough and fever for two weeks or more, loss of weight, loss of appetite, night sweats, blood stained sputum, chills.
She then informed the participants to refer patients with such symptoms to the nearest health centers for TB Testing for diagnosis and treatment.
It was also informed that the government provides free testing and treatment for TB at all government facilities.
Shanpru explained that there are different tests that are used for TB testing like TRUENAAT, CBNAAT, and sputum microscopy which are free of cost at all TB Testing Units.
‘TB is curable, if the patients take the medication properly and complete the course of treatment’, she said.
The programme was attended by medical health officials and others from the village.
An action song related to TB disease was presented by the students of Women’s College, Shillong.
Certificates were given to all traditional healers wo participated in the programme.
Meanwhile, the office of Sub Divisional Medical Officer, Sohra held a “Program of Reorientation for VHC members on IEC Register or VHC apps” at the office of Sub Divisional Officer, Sohra.