ITANAGAR, Mar 24: World Tuberculosis Day was held statewide on Saturday with the theme ‘Wanted: Leaders for a TB-free World’ to create awareness on the dreaded yet curable disease.
In Pasighat, the day was observed by the District Health Society (RNTCP). The programme began with an awareness rally from the Bakin Pertin General Hospital, which was formally flagged off by PMC Chief Councillor Kaling Doruk.
Addressing the participants, Doruk opined that the alarming rate of TB cases in the state is due to lack of proper dissemination of information, and suggested creating more awareness in the district to fight TB.
District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO), Dr Y Perme informed the participants of the initiatives taken by the government through the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) for prevention and control of tuberculosis and highlighted its causes, symptoms and treatment.
He informed that various facilities are available for TB diagnosis in the hospital, and that people should not take symptoms of TB lightly. He suggested getting tested immediately with CBNAAT (cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification testing), which has been installed in the hospital.
In Yupia, a programme was organized by the District Health Society (RNTCP) in collaboration with the State Health Society (RNTCP), the Papum Pare district administration, and the RGU’s social work department.
Urban Development Minister Nabam Rebia flagged off a TB awareness procession from Nyorch village market complex to the ZPC hall.
Addressing the gathering, Rebia expressed concern over the alarming rate of TB-related deaths in the past year, during which, it was reported, 20 people died due to TB in Papum Pare district alone.
He called on the District Health Society (RNTCP) to create awareness on a mission mode to educate the people about TB and its causes and prevention. He also appealed to the people to cooperate with the health department to eradicate TB as per the target set by the government to make India TB-free by 2025.
Saying that the health department alone cannot fight against the disease, SDO Tabang Bodoung said that it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to support the department.
DMO Dr Tasso Kampu Subu also sought voluntary participation of all to eradicate TB by 2025.
Earlier, DTO In-charge Dr Hage Tayo gave a presentation on the district’s profile and highlighted the causes and prevention of TB, adding that TB is preventable and curable.
He also informed that patients are provided free treatment and diagnostic tests at the District Tuberculosis Centre in Naharlagun, and that quality-assured TB drugs are provided in all DOTS centres.
MO DR-TB site, Dr K Basar informed that the government also provides incentive to patients who successfully complete six months’ course and also to DOTS provider, which is directly credited through DBT in their accounts.
To mark the day, students from the North East Nursing College of Health and Science presented a drama on tuberculosis awareness. Prizes were also distributed to winners of the test conducted on the occasion, to students of the Arunachal State Nursing School, Zion Institute of Nursing, and NE Nursing College of Health and Science. (DIPROs)
Our correspondent adds: In Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district, public leaders, medical staff, cured patients and workers of the Iduli Tea Estate took partin the World TB Day procession organised by the District Health Society at the Iduli Tea Estate.
In his address, DTO Dr SJ Mitapo explained about the deadly TB disease, its diagnosis and treatment under RNTCP. He urged the people to spread TB awareness throughout the district with the message ‘Be the leader yourself for a TB-free world’.
DMO Dr R Tatan said that such programmes aim at spreading messages, knowledge and preventive measures. He also spoke about the symptoms of TB and encouraged people to get screened for the disease.
Iduli ZPM Sipa Mena said that such awareness camps are very important, and would especially be beneficial for the workers of the tea garden. DPO (NVBDCP) Dr Nangkong Yirang also spoke.
Also present in the programme were DRCHO Dr Raju Mena, Drs Lohit Deori and Rasto Mena, and DMEIO D Deb, among others.
