DC North chairs a TB Forum meeting at DAC Mangan

Mangan, 19th Feb (IPR): A TB Forum meeting under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) a public health initiative of the Government of India was held at the District Administrative Complex, Mangan, today. It was chaired by the District Collector (North), Shri. Tenzing. T. Kaleon and had the presence of ADM (North), SDM (Mangan) Chief Medical Officer (CMO-N), District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO- N), staff/technicians of the TB cell, SP (North), SDPO (North), Panchayats, NGOs from the district and TB Champions (survivors)
The objective of the meeting was to discuss in detail the steps, procedures and SOPs to work towards eliminating tuberculosis by 2022 (in Sikkim). It may be mentioned that the Government of India aims for the same goal for the entire country by 2025.
DC (North) emphasized the importance of awareness and the stigma that is associated with tuberculosis. He said that it is the priority of the committee to draft a systematic and practical SOP under the guidance of the CMO and DTO that covers all areas of need. He also suggested that a pilot project for basic testing for tuberculosis, using a systematic and structured setup, with help from ASHA and Aganwadi workers could be planned and carried out to identify patients and recommended that patient profiling (mode of infection, area, age-group, etc) would help immensely in combating TB. He stated that financial incentives would be provided to those health and Aganwadi workers who would help in the collection of samples, based on the number of samples they collect. He also said that it was very important to corroborate reports and results before finalizing the data for the record. He asked the DTO to render a plan of action with help from other line departments and sectors. He also emphasized the importance of dissemination of information, advising that we should take full advantage of technology for communication and awareness. He maintained that documentation for every process has to be carried out efficiently. He urged the NGOs and Panchayats to work towards involving the community through awareness programs and activities for better detection and prevention. He concluded his note by saying that the functions and responsibility of the committee have to be continuous and consistent for effective results.
TB Champions shared their personal experiences of living with tuberculosis and overcoming it while Panchayats and members of the NGOs shared their experiences of working for the community and what propels them to get involved in causes like this.
SP(N) added that the measures to be taken should be practical and that as a community, it is our responsibility to be active and aware.

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