Dimapur, May 10 (MExN): The first ever inter-border district meeting for the Revised National TB Control Programme between Nagaland and Manipur was held on April 25 under the chairmanship of Dr. John Sweyievisa, Joint Director (RNTCP) at the directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima. Dr. Sweyievisa raised concerns over issues related to referral and transfer of patients between the border districts of the two states and said that such meetings would help to overcome common issues confronting both states. The meeting was held particularly to draw attention to the two districts of Senapati and Kohima .
It maybe mentioned here that the TB Hospital in Khuzama has been catering to general OPD patients not only from Nagaland but also from Senapati district of Manipur. Similarly, Mao CHC in Senapati has been providing services to general patients from the bordering areas of Nagaland as well as from Mao area. It was felt that a Designated Microscopy Centre, where free DOTS treatment can be provided, should be opened in both these PHIs. Other issues that were discussed related to exchange of IEC materials, feedback and DOT Directory.
Both the State TB officers of Nagaland and Manipur remarked that such joint meetings would help to strengthen their collaboration and help the states in improving their performances. The STO Manipur was confident that this coordination would help improve case detection as well as the case holding of Senapati district.
Dr. K T Lotha, State TB Officer (RNTCP), directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima, in a press release informed that it was also decided that such meetings would be conducted at least once a year. Both the STOs proposed to hold the next meeting soon involving other bordering districts like Ukhrul and Tamenglong districts of Manipur and Peren and Phek districts of Nagaland.
