CIHSR commemorates World TB Day
Dimapur, March 24 (MExN): The Community Health Department of the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR - Referral Hospital) organized a health education programme on March 23 at the Community Hall in Master colony, Kuda Village to commemorate World TB Day 2016 with the theme ‘Unite to End TB.’
Dr. Rohan Michael Ramesh, MBBS, MD, Community Health Department, CIHSR in a press statement stated that the department runs a weekly community clinic in the same location focusing on mother and child health, communicable and non communicable diseases and thought that this was a good opportunity for the team to celebrate this occasion with the community it has been working with.
Another reason for choosing this locality for this health education was because it has a large number of non locals from various cultures who frequently travel around the North and North East region of India mostly for occupational purposes, and may be exposed to other TB patients unknowingly when they travel. When they come back home, due to the poor living conditions the family is at risk of developing the disease and in turn can be a source of infection to the entire community.
Amidst the colour and high spirits brewing in the colony on the eve of Holi, a group of around 80 to 90 people gathered and waited eagerly for the program to start.
Dr. Viu Meru, Deputy Director, CIHSR welcomed the gathering with a few facts about the disease. An informative and entertaining skit was presented by the nursing students of CIHSR, which threw light on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of TB, whilst addressing the issue of Stigma among TB patients. The students also presented the results of a survey they conducted in the locality during the day. In the survey of 97 individuals, 22 had symptoms suggestive of TB, 15 had cough lasting for more than two weeks and three individuals had history of having TB.
Dr. K. Domeh, MBBS, MD, a specialist in Internal Medicine from CIHSR, then addressed the crowd with a colorful slide show summing the topics covered in the play and also stressed on the importance of early identification of the symptoms of TB and the need for initiation of free treatment from a RNTCP center. He also reminded the gathering about the duration of treatment which lasts around a minimum of 6 months and dangers of developing Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) TB which is a dangerous form of TB, if patients did not comply to the medications.
The programme ended with a song in Nagamese about TB, followed by free sputum collection for anyone who had cough with sputum for more than two weeks, blood stained sputum, weight loss, chest pain and people who had evening rise in temperature.
High TB detection rate in Mon district
Mon, March 24 (DIPR): World TB Day was observed at Mon on March 24 with Deputy Commissioner, Mon W. Honje Konyak as the guest of honour at District Hospital Complex, Mon.
The DC Mon asserted that due to lack of awareness, many people are unaware of the TB facilities provided free of cost in the hospital and go outside of the state for TB treatment. He lamented that even after 144 years of TB virus discovery Konyaks are still in the awareness period and the detection rate very high. Therefore, he appealed to the young Konyak local doctors to create a forum to educate, to mobilize, to influence, to disseminate awareness and change the mindset of the ignorant public.
KNSK president Lomei Konyak in her short speech said that TB is curable but fatal if untreated and urged the students to carry the message to the parents back at home. Acknowledging the high TB detection rate in Mon district she urged the district administration and the department to propose for a separate TB hospital in Mon District.
Briefing on the significant of the day and activities of the TB Control Programme in the district Dr. M. Imyangluba Ao, DTO, Mon spoke on symptoms and treatment of TB and said that irregular use of medicines would result in drug resistant and prolong its treatment. He appealed to jointly combat TB through awareness campaign and to end social stigma and discrimination.
Sashi Imchen TB Forum Mon in his vote of thanks appealed to the NGOs and the civil Societies of Mon to extend cooperation and support to the TB Control Program and said that without ownership, the program would be a failure.
Kehile Semp, DCO, Project Axshya CHAI gave away the Prize to the winners of the essay competition to the students. Earlier, the Program started with invocation by the Chaplain District Hospital Mon Mr. David, special number was proposed by Yithmei and motivational speech by Langwang, and the program was chaired by Eunice Thalih, DCM Mon.
New CBNAAT Machine installed at Dist Hospital Dimapur
Dimapur, March 24 (MExN): Dimapur District observed World TB Day at District Hospital’s Chapel Hall, Dimapur on March 24 under the theme ‘Unite to end TB’ organized under RNTCP Dimapur.
World TB Day in Dimapur District was marked with the installation of a new CBNAAT (Cartridge Based Nuclic Acid Amplification Test) Machine which was inaugurated by Kesonyu Yhomi, Deputy Commissioner Dimapur.
Dr. Tali Ozukum, District TB Officer Dimapur in his keynote address highlighted the importance of CBNAAT machine; he stated that before the installation of this machine in the district, TB patients’ sputum samples had to be sent to Kohima or Imphal for Multi-Drug Resistant Test.
Kesonyu Yhomi, DC Dimapur speaking on the occasion as chief guest gave a brief scenario of TB cases. He stated that the growing case of MDR are due to late diagnosis, faulty treatment and increase in drop-out rates. He further stated that, it is the duty and responsibility of every individual and not only the Health Department to fight TB or any disease. He, therefore, urged the public, NGOs and the Department to unite and fight against TB.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Panger, MO-TC and exhortation speech was delivered by Dr. M.A.Wati, CMO Dimapur. Rev. Mar, Chaplin, DHD said the invocation prayer while School of Nursing and Children from Chavara Home also presented a special number and short play to mark the occasion. The vote of thanks was delivered by Kekuseno, STLS DTC Dimapur. The programme was attended by Dr. Antoly, DyCMO, Dr Tungoe, MS, DHD, various Programme Officers, staff under CMO, MS and RNTCP.
