Forum Discusses the Roadmap to Eradicate Tuberculosis by 2025

A Correspondent

YUPIA: The first meeting of District Tuberculosis Forum was held at the DC Conference Hall, Yupia, on Wednesday to discuss the role and responsibilities of the forum at the district level.

While chairing the meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner Tabang Bodung called upon the newly-constituted District TB Forum to work with missionary zeal to achieve the target set by the Union Government to eradicate TB by 2025. Taking note of the alarming rise in TB cases in the district, he said that proper counselling and involvement of all stakeholders are important to educate people on prevention of TB.

Chief Medical Superintendent, TRIHMS, Dr Hage Ambing, who also spoke on the occasion, emphasized on the need for streamlining the functioning of the District Tuberculosis Centre at Naharlagun and said that there is a need for a TB hospital and advised the DTO to look for ways to expand its activities and developed infrastructure with better facility.

District Medical Officer Dr Tasso Kampu Subu also stressed upon proper counselling of TB patients and need for a separate TB hospital. District Tuberculosis officer Dr PD Thongchi gave a presentation on the overview of District Tuberculosis Centre, Naharlagun and District TB Forum. He informed that the TB Forum will act as a bridge between community, TB patients, healthcare system and civil society along with advocacy activities to influence policy.

He also informed the house about the financial incentives for TB patients under Nikshay Poshan Yojana – a nutritional support scheme for TB patients– wherein Rs 500 is given to each notified TB patient; Rs 750 to tribal TB patient after completion of treatment. Dr Thonghi also elaborated on types of TB and collaborative effort with NCD, NTCP and Paragonimiasis.

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