Kohima, August 20 (MExN): The Nagaland State TB Forum first meeting was held on August 18 at the Conference Hall of Commissioner & Secretary (H&FW) under the Chairmanship of I. Himato Zhimomi, Commissioner and Secretary. The State TB Officer in a press release informed that the meeting was attended by Mission Director (NHM), Project Director (NSACS), SPO (NHM), Deputy Director (NSACS), SPO (RNTCP), DTO (Kohima), President (NNP+), and Project Consultant (VIHAAN), Representative of past and present TB patients and Staff of RNTCP.
Dr. Tiasunup Pongener, State TB Officer presented an overview of RNTCP in Nagaland. He highlighted on the activities of the programme including the various services available, the newer initiatives, nutritional support, incentives for treatment supporters etc. He also said that the State is facing problems in achieving target for case notification because of absence or irregularity of doctors in PHCs/CHCs and due to non-inclusion of private practitioners earlier. “However, the scenario is changing especially with the introduction of FDCs which is more palatable to the PPs,” he added.
Dr. Asunu, DTO, Kohima and Dr. Apichet, APO, State TB Cell gave an explanation and demonstration on DOTS, PMDT and 99DOTs. The importance of motivation and adherence to DOTs treatment was highlighted in order to prevent MDRTB. Dr. Asunu also informed on the occurrence of XDR cases and said that three patients are currently on Tab Bedaquiline, which is a very expensive drug.
In order to achieve the goal of eliminating TB by 2025, Active Case Finding is being intensified in all the Districts. The MOHFW has also supplied the Programme with a Mobile Van for this purpose which is being utilized by the Districts as when they conduct this activity.
During the discussion hour, the Chairman raised the issue of non-availability of IEC billboards and hoardings on RNTCP. The matter is to be put up to MD (NHM) under Mission Flexi Pool for early installation of IEC Hoardings on TB in all districts and state capital.
DTO Kohima said that the workload of DTOs have increased due to the goal of eliminating TB by 2025, therefore requested that MO (TC) be posted at all DTCs. Hence, it was decided to propose for MOTCs for all the DTCs in the next PIP.
The Chairman suggested that the DTOs and staff should participate in VHND days to create awareness and sensitization of the community about TB and also to collect sputum from symptomatic.
It was directed to all the DTOs from the State TB Officer that the District TB Forums is to be formed and meetings to be conducted at the earliest.
Issues about DBT and problems about opening bank account were also discussed and it was decided that SPO (NHM) and MD (NHM) would initiate the process of writing to the Regional Manager SBI. C&S to be intimated about this matter on completion was also stated.
Time was also given to TB Patients (Cured/Current) and NGO representatives to share their views and opinions. The patients and their family members expressed that they were very satisfied with the free drugs and services extended by DTC staff. Lanu, President of (NNP+) suggested that ARK Foundation (NGO) be also included in the Forum. The house decided to agree to the suggestion. The meeting concluded with the chairman proposing for the next meeting to be held within 6 months.
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