Our Correspondent
Imphal, March 24 (EMN): Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla has called upon all stakeholders to pursue vigorously to contain and eliminate Tuberculosis.
Addressing the 36th World Tuberculosis Day observation held under the theme ‘Unite to end TB - Leave No One Behind’ at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science Auditorium Hall today, Dr Heptulla said “I am very happy to be among you today on this occasion of the observance of the World TB Day.”
The World Tuberculosis Day is being observed annually on March 24 to commemorate the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch discovered the TB bacillus.“The purpose of the observance is well reflected in the theme: Unite to end TB: Leave No One Behind,” she said. We all know that the prevalence of TB among the people, particularly among the poor is always a matter of concern for the public health authorities, the Governor said adding that public perception of the disease is such that it creates panic in the mind of the people. Observing that “This disease is curable”, the Governor said proper awareness needs to be taken up to disseminate this information.
Many a times, we have seen that those who are suffering from TB conceal it, she said expressing concern. The Governor also observed the need to spread awareness on the disease through various means in the society especially starting from school. She further said TB is known as the Kings disease, and if the patient is economically sound the disease can be easily cured without any complication with proper diet. “The World TB Day falling on March 24 each year is designed to build public awareness about the global epidemic of the TB and efforts to eliminate the disease,” she added.
The Governor also expressed concern over the stigma associated with the disease and said efforts need to be taken up to clear all wrong notions associated with the TB. Expressing happiness on getting to know that the day is also observed in different parts of the state, the Governor said “I am happy and hopeful that the concerned health authorities continue to pursue vigorously to contain and eliminate the dreadful disease.” “It is also a matter of great satisfaction that the GOI under WHO has been taking up various measures to eradicate TB from the country.
A well-orchestrated awareness campaign and an informed public will help in the effective application of the preventive measures,” she added. In India, in rural areas especially, people are prone to this disease because of their lifestyle. One common cause of the TB is the inhalation of smoke emanated from burning of firewood.This is most common among women who used fire-woods for cooking purposes. The disease is also common among those who smoke, she added. The Governor also released the Annual Report 2016 (Revised National Tuberculosis Control programme).
Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand attended the observation as the guest of honour and JNIMS Director Dr Laishram Deben as the president. In the morning, Chief Medical Officer Imphal East Dr Kh Indra Singh flagged off a rally from CMO Complex Porompat.
