Resubelpara, February 7, 2025: As part of the nationwide 100 day TB Free Campaign, the office of the District Tuberculosis Officer, Williamnagar, East Garo Hills in tandem with the office of DM&HO, Resubelpara, North Garo Hills, a programme on TB free camp was held here at Multipurpose Co-operative Society Hall, Mendipathar on Friday.
The programme aimed at increasing community awareness about Tuberculosis (TB), the preventive treatments and other areas entailed to curb the disease.
Addressing as the chief guest during the event, Marthon J Sangma, Mendipathar MLA pressed upon the gathering to discard social stigma associated with TB. Discrimination caused by TB hinders effective treatment causing the TB patients to delay seeking medical help.He highlighted the advancement in medical technology in curbing many deadly diseases.
He added early intervention coupling with medical advancement has improved treatment outcomes and disease such as TB is curable and therefore social stigma linked with TB has to go away.
He further emphasized the government’s initiative in eliminating TB by providing full time free treatment courses and necessary support to eliminate TB in the country.
Marthon J Sangma also evoked collaborative efforts of all stakeholders to eliminate TB.
It may be mentioned that the 100 day Intensified Campaign on TB elimination launched by the Government of India aims to reduce incidence and mortality rates of TB in India by 2025 and around the world by 2030.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, North Garo Hills Rezia Sangma in her speech added the campaign should not only focus on high risk elderly patients or areas where TB is prevalent but also children who are vulnerable to the disease. She implored on early diagnosis as the effective way of TB treatment.
Dr CP Sangma, District Tuberculosis Officer, William Nagar, East Garo Hills gave the keynote address while Dr Arfina M Sangma, District Nodal Officer for National Programme for prevention and control of NCD and Dr Priya S R Sangma, DM&HO, North Garo Hills dwelt on the objectives of the programme and other medical activities of the district.
Encouraging TB warriors to fight against TB, food baskets under the expand nutrition support coverage was distributed by the chief guest Marthon J Sangma.
Nikshay Mitras who have voluntarily adopted one consented TB patient on treatment were also acknowledged during the programme.
Free screening of vulnerable individuals with hand held X Ray and general health checkup was also held.
Dr Cherubie M Sangma, Mo-TC, Resubelpara TB unit led the gathering to a pledge on TB awareness, treatment and discarding TB stigma.
