Dimapur, Aug. 20 (EMN): State TB Officer Dr. Tiasunup Pongener, said that the state is facing problem in achieving the target for TB case notification because of absence of doctors in Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres and due to non inclusion of private practitioners earlier. However, he informed that the scenario is changing with the introduction of FDCs which he said is more palatable to the PPs.
Presenting the overview of the RNTCP in Nagaland during the first state TB forum meeting, the officer highlighted the activities of the programme including services available, new initiatives, nutritional support, incentives for treatment supporters.
An update received from the RNTCP state programme officer, informed that the meeting was conducted on Aug. 18 in the commissioner-secretary H&FW conference hall. The meeting was presided over by the Commissioner-Secretary I Himato Zhimomi.
During the meeting, Dr. Asunu of DTO Kohima and Dr. Apichet of APO, state TB cell gave an explanation and demonstration on DOTS, PMDT and 99DOTs. The importance of motivation and adherence to DOTs treatment was highlighted to prevent MDRTB.
Dr. Asunu informed on the occurrence of XDR cases and said that three patients are currently on Tab Bedaquiline , which is a very expensive drug.
It has informed that in order to achieve the goal of eliminating TB by 2025, active case finding is being intensified in all the districts. The MOHFW has also supplied the programme with a mobile van for this purpose which is being utilized by the districts as when they conduct this activity.
On the issue of non availability of IEC bill boards and hoardings on RNTCP, the members present in the meeting decided to put up the matter to MD (NHM) under Mission Flexi Pool for early installation of hoardings in all districts and state capital.
DTO Kohima said that the work load of DTO has increased due to the goal of eliminating TB by 2025, therefore, it requested that MO (TC) be posted at all DTC. The forum also decided to propose for MOTCs for all the DTC in the next PIP.
Commissioner-secretary suggested that the DTOs and staff should participate in VHND days to create awareness and sensitization of the community about TB and also to collect sputum from symptomatic.
State TB officer has directed all the DTO from to form district TB forum and conduct meeting at the earliest.
SPO (NHM) and MD (NHM) were entrusted to initiate pn the issue of DBT and problems about opening bank account.
The patients and family members expressed that they were very satisfied with the free drugs and services extended by DTC staff.
President NNP+ Lanu, suggested that ARK Foundation be also included in the forum to which the members present agree to the suggestion.
The meeting was attended by mission director and SPO of NHM, project director and deputy director of NSACS, SPO of RNTCP, DTO Kohima, President of NNP+, project consultant of VIHAAN), representative of TB patients, and staff of RNTCP.
