The District TB Office, East Garo Hills yesterday conducted a TB sensitisation meeting for the private health sector of East Garo Hills and North Garo Hills. During the meeting, TB IEC Assets “Do You Know? Campaign” was also launched.
WHO Consultant Dr. Diganta Thakuria gave an overview about Tuberculosis 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.
District Drug Inspector of East Garo Hills David F. Rapsang, talked on another important topic – Schedule H1 drugs. He stressed on proper management in procurement and sale of schedule H1 drugs, as these are highly sensitive drugs.
He said that purchase invoice, special sale registers and cash memos are to be maintained properly. “Sale without a 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,” Rapsang said.
He also stated that 90 per cent of anti-TB drugs are Schedule H1 drugs and misuse of which can lead to drug resistance and since TB is the leading cause of death in the world, monitoring of sales of anti-TB drugs is the first priority.
Rapsang also said that as a way forward, cooperation, understanding of the severity of the disease, patient counseling and diligent and honest reporting are essential for the efforts in the elimination of TB.
Sengchrang Marak, District Programme Coordinator, East Garo Hills, highlighted 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 enroll TB patients from private facilities.
Dr. Chrissie Pearly M. Sangma, District TB Officer, East Garo Hills 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 highlights on the need to 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, and facilitate notification of persons with TB, from the private sector, on the Ni-Kshayportal
District Medical and Health Officer, Dr. Cruzie Elmina N. Sangma in her speech expressed that the TB programme has evolved rapidly over the last few years and reminded that East Garo Hills is aiming towards TB elimination.
East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal stressed on the roles of the private practitioners to cooperate with the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme to get all the cases under their notice.
He appreciated the District TB Office for the new intervention in implementing the IEC assets which is one of the platforms to communicate with the citizens.
“Through IEC, the right knowledge will be disseminated for the benefit of the patients and the community members” Aggarwal said.
He reaffirmed his commitment as an administrator to help the District TB Office in its aim towards eliminating TB. Aggarwal also said that this IEC campaign and advertisement is a key factor to educate and to bring awareness to the public at large.
