Technical Operational Guidelines for TB control training held in Nagaland Kohima, March 14 (MExN): The Revised National TB control programme conducted two day training on TOG (Technical Operational Guidelines) on March 8 and 9 at Directorate of Health & Family Welfare Nagaland, Kohima. The trainees included all the District TB Officers, Medical Officers and State TB Cell Staff. Dr Deka, WHO NE Consultant was the key resource person. The current document (TOG) outlines the guidelines on TB care in line with RNTCP National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control 2012-17. As part of the “End TB Strategy” with the goal to end the global TB epidemic by 2035, this TOG has been conceived and is to be initiated all over the country. The National strategic plan with a vision of TB free India is to achieve universal access to quality TB diagnosis and treatment for all TB patients in the community. The objectives of the National Strategic Plan are: 1. To achieve 90% notification rate for all cases 2. To achieve 90% success rate for all new and 85% for re-treatment cases. 3. To significantly improve the successful outcome of treatment of DR-TB Cases 4. To achieve decreased morbidity and mortality of HIV-associated TB. 5. To improve outcomes of TB care in the private sector. To achieve these objectives RNTCP will be undertaking various drastic strategies such as improving the quality of basic DOTS by introducing Daily regime in place of intermittent in a phase wise manner, implementing active TB case finding efforts, engaging private providers more effectively, addressing TB Co-morbidities which not only includes HIV/AIDS but Diabetes, Tobacco usage , Nutritional support etc. Expansion of diagnosis and treatment of DR TB (drug resistant TB), promoting research, TB Surveillance and monitoring, improved rapid diagnosis are some of the plans included. The State TB Officer, Dr K T Lotha in his concluding speech reminded the gathering that in order to initiate this new guideline a strong support system will have to be in place and also that more commitment by the field Staff will be required. As part of the preparatory work this training was conducted and more training will also be held for various categories of Staff. Once it is done, Nagaland will be following this new guideline. This was stated in a press release issued by Dr.K.T Lotha, State TB Officer RNTCP, Directorate of Heath & Family Welfare, Kohima.
