Speakers at the inaugural function of a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme, organised by Government Hospital of Thoracic Medicine (GHTM) at Tambaram Sanatorium, stressed the need for private-public participation in the sector to eradicate tuberculosis.
Superintendent of GHTM, C. Chandrasekar, said the hospital has one of the largest facilities for TB treatment, and over 7,500 patients were under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP). “With NGOs offering their support, it is possible to target patients who miss out otherwise, and provide them quality treatment,” he said.
Director of REACH, a non-governmental organisation working for care and support of TB patients in Tamil Nadu, Nalini Krishnan pointed out the need to sustain private-public initiatives in prevention, treatment and eradication of tuberculosis. She said there was a need to strengthen community engagement to ensure open participation, and empower the patient, family and community with information and knowledge to speak out for their rights and for public health safety.
“Last year, Lions Club International district 324 A1 set up a TB treatment centre at a cost of Rs. 1.2 crore,” said Lions district 324 A1 past district governor T.A.S. Ramamurthy.
He said the State health department was keen on government-NGO partnership, which was evident from the sanctions issued in a short period of time.
