SRD Group of Companies signs LoI with District TB Cell, Darrang

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MANGALDAI: Bringing a new ray of hope for the TB patients, SRD Group of Companies, founded by business tycoon Sunanda Ram Deka of Mangaldai, has become the first Corporate body in NE region to sign a Letter of Intent (LoI) recently with the District TB Cell, Darrang under National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) Assam. Through this Letter of Intent, State TB Cell Assam aims to reach out to all formal, informal, migrant workforce and local people for improved awareness about TB and link anyone with symptoms of TB to the public health system for diagnosis and treatment. Through this initiative, District TB Cell will prioritize two interconnected aspects of India's response – strengthening and supporting the multisectoral response to TB and advocating for increased financial and other resources for TB.

"TB is not only a medical disease but a social problem as well. Such multi-faceted issues are beyond the efforts of the health sector alone and call for comprehensive solutions by meaningful involvement of non-health sectors. We need to focus on motivating people to continue treatment and at the same time take affirmative action towards the removal of superstitions and stigma. We must address TB with a convergence approach engaging all possible stakeholders," Deputy Commissioner of Darrang Pranab Kumar Sarmah said while addressing the function.

Joint Director of Health Services Dr Harpal Sing Suri, Intersectoral Engagement Expert, National TB Elimination Program, Assam Dr A. J. Kalita and District TB Officer Dr Malabika Gogoi taking part in the function thanked the SRD Group for the support in creating awareness and initiating an action plan to sensitize the populace of the district on available interventions for treatment and eradication of TB from the society.

"The figures of the TB scenario are very concerning, especially since this is a curable disease. SRD Group is committed to its social responsibilities and our endeavor through this LoI is to proactively create awareness and facilitate treatment amongst our workforce in particular and the general population in the District," Executive Director of SRD Group Anupam Deka said. He further assured that SRD Group would extend its full support to NTEP for the implementation of this LoI and corporate TB pledge.

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