Resubelpara, Feb 7: Early diagnosis coupled with medical advancement has improved tuberculosis treatment outcomes which in turn can remove social stigma linked with TB patients, said Mendipathar MLA on Friday.
Addressing a programme during the nationwide 100-day TB Free Campaign at Mendipathar, MLA Marthon J Sangma said disease such as TB is curable and therefore social stigma linked with TB should be done away with.
He added early intervention along with advanced medical treatment of the disease has drastically improved the outcome and urged TB patients to seek medical help with urgency.
The MLA also highlighted the government’s initiative in eliminating TB by providing full time free treatment courses and necessary support to eliminate TB in the country.
Organised by the office of the District Tuberculosis Officer, William Nagar, East Garo Hills in tandem with the office of DM&HO, Resubelpara, North Garo Hills, the programme on TB free camp was held at Multipurpose Co-operative Society Hall.
The programme aimed at increasing community awareness about Tuberculosis (TB), the preventive treatments and other areas entailed to curb the disease.
Meanwhile, Additional Deputy Commissioner, North Garo Hills Rezia Sangma in her speech added the campaign should not only focus on high-risk elderly patients or areas where TB is prevalent but also children who are vulnerable to the disease.
She implored on early diagnosis as the effective way of TB treatment. Dr CP Sangma, District Tuberculosis Officer, William Nagar, East Garo Hills gave the keynote address while Dr Arfina M Sangma, District Nodal Officer for National Programme for prevention and control of NCD and Dr Priya S R Sangma, DM&HO, North Garo Hills dwelt on the objectives of the programme and other medical activities of the district.
Encouraging TB warriors to fight against TB, food baskets under the expanded nutrition support coverage were distributed by the MLA. Nikshay Mitras who have voluntarily adopted one consented TB patient on treatment were also acknowledged during the programme while free screening of vulnerable individuals with handheld X-Ray and general health checkup was also held.
Dr Cherubie M Sangma, Mo-TC, Resubelpara TB unit led the gathering to a pledge on awareness, treatment and discarding TB stigma.
It may be mentioned that the 100-day Intensified Campaign on TB elimination launched by the Centre aims to reduce incidence and mortality rates of TB in India by 2025 and around the world by 2030.
