ITANAGAR, Mar 25: Arunachal Pradesh joined the rest of the world in observing World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on 24 March.
The day is observed to commemorate the discovery of the tubercle bacilli by German scientist, Sir Robert Henrich Hermin Koch, on 24 March, 1882.
In Papum Pare, the District Health Society (DHS) organised a seminar at RK Mission Hospital (RKMH) here, in collaboration with the State Health Society and the district administration.
The event also featured a skit by students of the North East Institute of Nursing, felicitation of the best TB workers, presentation of certificate to the lab technician of RKMH, interaction with TB patients, display of posters and banners, etc.
Among others, the RKMH secretary, the TRIHMS chief medical superintendent, the district TB officer, the assistant programme officer of the state TB cell, and staffs of RKMH and NGO Vihaan attended the programme.
In Upper Siang district, the DHS observed the day at the JNV in Geku. Students and staff of the school, along with medical officers of the Geku CHC participated in the function.
DOT treatment supporters Omang Tamuk (GNM, Geku CHC) and Oyik Tali (ASHA, Sika-Diine) were felicitated with cash awards and commendation certificates in recognition of their outstanding contributions.
District TB Officer Dr Ahik Miyu made a PowerPoint presentation on TB, its free diagnosis, and free treatment services.
Dr Miyu stressed on the importance of adhering to the standard treatment protocol under the DOTS to ensure cure and prevent the emergence of drug resistant TB.
“Early identification of signs and symptoms of TB at the community level and seeking early medical intervention is the cornerstone of cure and prevention of further spread, with the least long-term complications,” he said.
In Lohit HQ Tezu, World TB Day was observed at Indira Gandhi Government College at the initiative of its principal Dr Kangki Megu, in association with the health & family welfare department led by DMO Dr S Chai Pulhas, on Monday.
The DMO stressed the need to create awareness among the villagers and vulnerable people like labourers, slum dwellers, etc, in order to ensure a TB-free India by 2030, as per the target set by the World Health Organisation.
She spoke about the government’s efforts in this direction, such as introducing the DOT medication and nutritional support system.
Students from the college’s science department made a presentation on the causes of TB.
Later in the day, the college’s NSS unit, led by Assistant Professor L Kimsing and DUDA EE Bapenlu Kri, organised an awareness programme on garbage management under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
A PowerPoint presentation on ‘measures to achieve swachhta in Tezu town by 2022’ was also made. (With inputs from DIPROs)
