Dimapur registered 989 TB patients in 2011

Morung Express News
DIMAPUR | MARCH 24

District Hospital Dimapur registered a total of 989 Tuberculosis patients during the year 2011 out of which 610 (62%) were categorised as known HIV status while 102 (17%) were found to be co-infected with TB (HIV positive and TB).

CMO Dimapur Dr. Sukhato Wotsa revealed this through a power-point presentation during a programme organised by Chavara Home on the occasion of World TB Day on Saturday.

He also revealed that the annualized case detection rate of new smear positive stood at 119% while the annual cure rate for it was 86%. Stating that TB was no longer a dangerous disease but 100% curable through Directly Observed Treatment (DOT), he said no one should die of TB as the treatment was available free of cost in various health centers. He said there were six microscopy centers in Dimapur namely; District Tuberculosis Center, Medziphema CHC, Dhansiripar CHC, Niuland PHC, Chumukedima PHC and CIHSR where treatment and medicines were available free of cost. He said there were also 40 sub centers where free services were available.

Dr. Sukhato informed that for TB diseases not curable by DOT, there was DOT Plus service, the centre for which is yet to be launched in Dimapur. He said the DOT Plus service is meant for the treatment of Multi-Drug Resistance TB patients. He informed that two DOT Plus patients have been detected since February 2012. While Kohima already has a DOT Plus center, Dr. Sukhato said Dimapur is trying to get such center. 

Naharbari Village Council chairperson, Tokheli Kikon said she would assist in providing a building if the government approved a DOT Plus centre.

Two TB patients talked about how they got cured of the disease under the guidance of Chavara Home which is run by Carmelite Sisters.

This year’s theme on World TB Day was ‘Stop TB in my lifetime’ for children and for adults, ‘Zero TB deaths in my lifetime.’

District TB Officer, Dr. Khelito, Naharbari village council members, GBs and TB patients attended the programme. Children of Chavara Home performed entertainment programmes. Since 2007, 45 TB patients have been cured of the disease under the guidance and assistance of Chavara Home.