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DTCS to observe World TB Day tomorrow

By Our Staff Reporter

PATHANAMTHITTA March 22. The District Tuberculosis Control Society (DTCS) is all set to observe the World Tuberculosis Day on March 24 to commemorate the discovery of the bacteria causing tuberculosis (TB) in 1882. Addressing a press conference here today, the District Medical Officer, Maneul Perez, who is also the vice-chairman of the DTCS and the District TB officer, Kurien Oommen, said that a public meeting and awareness workshop would be held at the Taluk hospitals in Thiruvalla and Adoor and at the TB Centre attached to the District Hospital at Kozhencherry on March 24 as part of the TB Day observance. According to the DMO, the DTCS has come a long way in TB-control programme with the successful implementation of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) over the past eight years. The World Health Organisation has selected Pathanamthitta

along with five other States in India to implement the RNTCP as a pilot project way back in 1994. The dedication and commitment of the TB control team in the district has succeeded in raising the cure rate from 30 per cent in 1994 to 90 per cent by 2003, Dr. Perez said.

Dr. Kurien said the main objectives of the RNCP were decentralisation and uniformity of treatment, which could achieved through the Directly Observed Treatment Short Centres (DOTS). After diagnosis, a full course of anti-TB drug is preserved for the patient and kept in a place convenient for the patient so as to ensure direct observation, said Dr. Kurien. He said that all Government hospitals, primary health centres (PHC), sub-centres and anganwadis are being involved in the RNTCP, besides a select group of private hospitals and clinics. The private hospitals involved in the RNTCP in the district are: Archana Hospital (Pandalam), C.M. Hospital (Pandalam), Covenant Hospital (Mallasserry), Fellowship Mission Hospital (Kumbanad), G.K. Hospital (Thiruvalla), G.M. Hospital (Kidangannur), Holy Cross Hospital (Adoor), KTCM Hospital (Thottabhagom), S.N. Hospital (Niranam), Sree Krishna Clinic (Kaviyoor) and St. Gregorios Hospital (Parumala).

Dr. Kurien said that the five non-Governmental organisations in the district, the NaranganamRural Development Society, World Vision of India, Sanjeevani ISH Project, Sahyadri Leprosy Eradication Society and the Kodumon Grama Vikasana Samithy, were also involved in the RNTCP. The DTCS has opened sub-centres with sputum examination facility in different parts of the district for foolproof implementation of the programme, he said.

A total of 17 sputum microscopy centres have been set up in the district as part of the programme, he added. The DTCS would chalk out programes to spread the message of the slogan for the TB Day-2003, `Dots cured me, it will cure you too' , with the help of those who have successfully undergone the

treatment for TB during the past eight years.

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