The office of the District Tuberculosis Officer of Ri-Bhoi organised a sensitisation meeting on Pradhan Mantri TB Mukth Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA) aimed at potential donors.
The event took place at RNB Carbide & Ferro Alloy Ltd. Dr E Kalwing, District TB Officer, emphasised the significance of tuberculosis and its impact on society. She provided insights into the signs and symptoms of TB, including coughing with or without blood for more than two weeks, fever, weight loss, loss of appetite and fatigue. Dr Kalwing encouraged community members not to be afraid but to come forward for screening if they experience such symptoms. She also highlighted that TB is a preventable and curable disease, with free treatment available in all government health facilities.
As part of the mission to eliminate TB from India by 2025, the central government has initiated a programme whereby organisations, companies, individuals, etc can become donors, dubbed Nikshay Mitras, to support TB patients with food baskets during their treatment with the aim to enhance treatment outcomes and address nutritional requirements during the course of treatment.
S Nongkynrih, programme manager at the DIC in Ri-Bhoi, highlighted the impact that Covid-19 had on the community and emphasised the importance of community engagement in combating TB. He urged all companies through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) arms to extend their support and care for TB patients.
