KOHIMA, OCTOBER 8 (DIPR): NSACS has added another feather to its cap by launching Mobile ICTC (Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre), the first of its kind in Nagaland, today at the Indoor Stadium Kohima.
Gracing the programme as the chief guest, Nagaland Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Dr. T.M. Lotha said that the launching of mobile ICTCs would give maximum coverage to the unreached areas, give better supervision and also help in the effective implementation of the various schemes of NSACS. He called upon the Eleutherus Christian Society of Tuensang and Shansham Organisation of Mon, to whom the Mobile ICTCs has been placed, to use the facilities properly, so that HIV/AIDS infection is controlled and eradicated from the state of Nagaland.“Unless we have commitment we will not be able to implement the programme effectively,” he said.
Stating that HIV/AIDS is a threat to the society, Dr. T.M. Lotha opined that the subject matter has to be taken up by every individual as a challenge. “We have to defeat it and we have to eradicate it with a sense of commitment and dedication”, he maintained.
Earlier, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Menukhol John, who gave the opening remarks, said that that launching of mobile ICTC has been an answer to one of the prayer to reach out to the hard to reach areas. It will help to tell the people the facts of HIV/AIDS and will make them aware that it is 100% preventable, he said. He made an appeal to the CMOs and MS of the district to put their heads together and to see that the facilities are used properly.
Project Director, NSACS, Dr. Neiphi Kire said that the launching of the Mobile ICTC and Motorbikes under NSACS is a small but sincere effort to change the stigma and to let the people understand that HIV/AIDS is simply an acquired infection which is available and totally preventable by responsible behaviour and safe practices. He said that NACO has sanctioned 5 Mobile ICTC (Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers ) this year.
Launching of two Mobile ICTCs for Tuensang and Mon Districts is the 1st phase and the objective of this Mobile ICTC is to provide comprehensive package of health care services to the hard to reach areas pertaining to HIV/AIDS. The mobile clinics will offer Ante-natal check up, counseling and testing services, Syndromes management of sexually transmitted infections (STI) cases, treatment of minor ailments, health education services etc. Stating that transporting officers and staffs poses as the main problem for monitoring and supervision of ICTCs, the Project Director said that the long felt need would be addressed with the provision of Motor bikes to all the District supervisions. He also said that TV and DVD players have been supplied to ICTCs in order to extend Information Education and Communication services to the people.
Later Dr. T.M. Lotha flagged off the 2 Mobile ICTCs and 9 Motorbikes. A mobile ICTC is a temporary clinic with flexible working hours in hard-to-reach areas where services are provided ranging from regular health check-up, syndromic treatment for STI, ante-natal care and other ailments as well as HIV counseling and testing services.
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