Along with the rest of the world, Mokokchung joined in observing world TB day here at the IMDH (district hospital).
The program was graced by minister National Highways, Nuklutoshi as the chief guest. Before the commencement of the program, the minster also inaugurated CBNAAT machine to detect TB bacteria at the TB hospital.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister stressed that by inaugurating the machine (CBNAAT), it would greatly benefit the people in combating TB. He also said that the occasion portrays the fast paced advancement of technology for the assistance of heath care sector. However, the minister also added that though new machines and technology were being developed, it should be noted that these machines can never replace the human touch and compassion in the healing process. The chief guest also called upon the doctors and nurses saying that they hold the noblest profession for humanity and further requested them to work with dedication, sincerity and humility.
Mention must to be made here that the machine, cartridge based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) is an efficient way of detecting the TB bacteria. The installation of this machine is a big achievement and is the second machine to be installed in Nagaland.
DIMAPUR: 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 wistrict was marked with the installation of a new cartridge based nuclic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) machine which was inaugurated by deputy commissioner, KesonyuYhome.
Yhomi speaking as chief guest gave a brief scenario of TB cases. He stated that the growing case of MDR was due to late diagnosis, faulty treatment and increase in drop-out rates. He further stated that, it was 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.
District TB officer Dimapur, Dr. Tali Ozukum in his keynote address highlighted the importance of CBNAAT machine. He said that prior to installation of the machine in the district, TB patients’ sputum samples had to be sent to Kohima or Imphal for multi-drug resistant test (MDRT).
The programme was chaired by MO-TC, Dr. Panger and exhortation speech was delivered by CMO Dimapur, Dr. M.A.Wati. Chaplin DHD, Rev. Mar 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.
Vote of thanks was delivered by STLS DTC Dimapur, Kekuseno. The programme was attended by Dr. Antoly, Dy CMO, Dr. Tungoe, MS, DHD, various programme officers, staff under CMO, MS and RNTCP.
MON: In Mon the occasion was observed at district hospital complex with deputy commissioner, W. Honje Konyak as the guest of honour.
Exhorting the gathering Honje said that the main focus of observing the day should be to unite and to organize awareness campaign to reach out to the people to eradicate TB from the society.
He appealed to the department concerned and the NGO partners to play a vital role and to work hard and walk extra mile to disseminate the information to the people. He further urged the churches and civil societies to come up with a proper strategy to create awareness campaign.
He asserted that due to lack of awareness many people were 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 were 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.
Briefing on the significance of the day and activities of the TB control programme in the district DTO, Mon, Dr. M. Imyangluba Ao spoke on symptoms and treatment of TB and said that irregular use of medicines would result in drug resistance and prolong its treatment. He appealed to jointly combat TB through awareness campaign and to end social stigma and discrimination.
President KNSK, Lomei Konyak in her short speech said that TB was 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.
TB Forum Mon, Sashi Imchen 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.
DCO, Project Axshya CHAI, Kehile Semp gave away the prize to the winners of the essay competition. Earlier, the program started with invocation by the chaplain district hospital Mon, David while a special number was presented by Yithmei and motivational speech by Langwang. The program was chaired by DCM Mon, Eunice Thalih.
PHEK: World TB Day was observed at Chetheba town hall. DTO Phek, Dr. Ruokuohelie Rutsa as the speaker informed the gathering that TB was one of the world top infectious killer diseases. He added that persistent cough of 2weeks duration with or without constitutional symptoms should be examined for TB. The gathering was also highlighted on the diagnosis, investigation and treatment of TB which was free of cost. The speaker also briefed the public on the goal and objective of RNTCP Dots strategy, extent of TB problem in India and Phek, danger of multidrug persistent TB on HIV and vice versa.
He called upon the gathering to unite together because strong community participation was needed to end TB. The program was chaired by district coordinator Phek Emmanuel Hospital Association, Kevesa Khamo while the welcome address was given by vice chairman, Mezahu Medeo and the vote of thanks was pronounced by head GB, Pusahu. The program was attended by chairmen, GBs, health workers and public of Chetheba town and neighbouring village.
KIPHIRE: District Health Society Kiphire in collaboration with KPNP+ Care and Support Centre conducted the programme in Kiphere, attended by CMO staff, MS staff, church leaders, stake holders and various NGOs. Keynote address was given by DTO, Dr. Khelito Zhimomi. She also gave a presentation on the district scenario on TB, activities carried out, performances, gaps and achievements.
DC Kiphire, Chumremo Odyuo speaking as chief guest said, “it not only the medical department but with the help of NGOs, society and other organizations, the TB programme is being carried out.” He encouraged that everyone must continue to work together for better outcome and motivated those diagnosed with TB by adding, “do not feel shy and hide your sickness. Get it treated early by availing the free treatment provided by the government. The reality of accessibility of treatment in Nagaland remains a myth in spite of many years of statehood. A healthy society is an asset so let’s all unite and fight the disease.”
Yanglicho, a DOTs patient also spoke about his recovery and encouraged those at risk to get diagnosed early without hesitation understand their treatment options and live a healthy life. A special number was performed by the nurses of DHK and vote of thanks was given by counsellor KPNP+ Ariba.