Shillong, Oct 19: The District TB Office, East Garo Hills District, Meghalaya successfully conducted a TB sensitization meeting for the Private Health Sector of East and North Garo Hills cum launching of TB IEC Assets “Do You Know? Campaign”.
Dr. Diganta Thakuria, WHO Consultant gave an overview about Tuberculosis, TB being one of the most leading airborne communicable diseases. He requested the participants to report to the District Tuberculosis Centre about any symptomatic cases which they encounter in the clinics and to report on the mother app simultaneously.
Shri. David F. Rapsang, District Drug Inspector, East Garo Hills Districy talks on another important topic i.e Schedule H1 drugs. He stresses on proper management in procurement and sale of schedule H1 drugs, as these are highly sensitive drugs.
Purchase invoice, Special Sale registers and cash Memos are to be maintained properly. Sale without doctor’s prescription and without the presence of a pharmacist is a violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and Rules 1945 and such violations may attract Administrative action such as Fine, Suspension or even Cancellation of the License.
He also stated that 90% of anti-TB drugs are Schedule H1 drugs and misuse of which can lead to Drugs Resistance. And as TB is the leading cause of death in the world, monitoring of sales of anti-TB drugs is the no one priority.
Therefore as a way forward, a cooperation, understanding of the severity of the disease, patient counseling and diligent and honest reporting is essential for the efforts in the elimination of TB.
Shri Sengchrang Marak, District Program Coordinator, East Garo Hills District also trained about the Mother App which is a State TB Notifications App issued by the Office of The Mission Director, National Health Mission, Meghalaya. This app helps to enrol TB patients from private facilities.
Today is a remarkable day for the District TB Office as they launched the TB IEC assets called Do You Know? Campaign on Private Sector Engagement.
Dr. Chrissie Pearly M. Sangma, District TB Officer, East Garo Hills District, Meghalaya briefed about the Campaign to proactively bring tuberculosis (TB) to the forefront of private practitioner’s mind during diagnosis, help service providers and other enablers to communicate effectively with doctors.
While also empowering patients with comprehensive knowledge about TB and government’s interventions available for its diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
The campaign hope stop positively impact the following indicators, Encourage private sector practitioners to detect, report and treat TB patients as per the NTEP guidelines, Encourage patients to access free diagnosis and treatment services being provided by the government, Facilitate notification of persons with TB, from the private sector, on the Ni-Kshayportal
The District Medical and Health Officer, East Garo Hills District, Dr. Cruzie Elmina N. Sangma in her speech expressed that the TB programme has evolved rapidly over the last few years and reminded that the District is aiming towards TB elimination.
The District Commissioner, East Garo Hills District, Shri. Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS stressed on the roles of the private practitioners to cooperate with the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programto get all the cases under their notice.
He appreciated the District TB Office for their new intervention in implementing the IEC assets which is one of the platforms to communicate with the citizens. The right knowledge will be disseminating for the benefit of the patients and the community members.
He reaffirmed his commitment as an administrator and ready to help the District TB Office in their aim towards eliminating TB. He said that this IEC Campaign and Advertisement is a key factor to educate and to bring awareness to the public at large.
