Port Blair, March 24: Along with the rest of the world, World TB Day-2023 was also observed in A&N Islands too today. As part of the observance, the Directorate of Health Services & UT Health Mission, A&N Administration organized a State level programme with the theme ‘Yes! We Can End TB’ at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Auditorium, PBMC here this morning. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health), Shri Nikhil Kumar, IAS was the chief guest on the occasion. The programme was also attended among others by Secretary (Health), Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Director (Health Services), Dr. Munni Singhania, Director (ANIIMS), Dr. Pragya Sharma, Ni-Kshay Mitras, Senior Doctors of DHS/ANIIMS, Officials and staff of NHM, PRI members and students.
Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary stated that World TB Day is commemorated each year on March 24, which is a stark reminder of the devastating social health and economic consequences of TB and it also impresses upon us the need to create greater awareness, amongst the public as well as to enhance our efforts in eliminating this scourge globally.
Congratulating the Health Department team for organizing this programme to raise awareness on TB, the Commissioner said, the World TB Day is of a particular significance for our country, as India has the world’s highest TB burden with more than 26 lakhs TB patients and 4 lakh TB related mortality every year. This year’s TB Day theme ‘Yes! We Can End TB’ focuses on collective and collaborative approach in tackling this menace and the two key words in the theme are “We” and “End” which means, together if we work and put in our efforts, we will be able to end the menace of TB from our society, country & the world, the Commissioner remarked adding that we must renew our pledge to eliminate TB in India. He said, even though NTEP has recorded significant progress made in A&N Islands and the country regarding TB, much more needs to be done to achieve the goal of TB elimination positively by 2025. He said, advance molecular test for diagnosis of TB as well as the latest anti TB drugs are available in all the Districts throughout A&N Islands and congratulated the team of Health Deptt. and NTEP for achieving the target set by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for detection and notification of TB cases as well for the treatment success rate. He also acknowledged the contributions of private health sector and institution in combating TB and remarked that a robust and healthy public private partnership in the health sector is absolutely essential in combating the threat like TB in our community. He further added that the Health Deptt. has been working in close coordination with all the line Departments particularly the Social Welfare, Education, RD, Civil Supplies to address the cases of malnutrition. He also urged the health team to conduct regular awareness, TB screening camps, especially among vulnerable groups and those living in far flung so that early detection and treatment can be carried out and prevent its transmission. “All health care workers need to deal with TB patients with an attitude of compassion and they need to address all the queries of the patients and their family to cope with the trauma of being a TB patient and also make them aware of the various treatment protocols they need to follow”, the Commissioner said.
Highlighting about Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Ni-Kshay Mitra, the Commissioner said that A&N Administration and the Health Deptt. remains fully committed to effectively implement the Ni-Kshay Mitra scheme. He also mentioned that the exemplary step taken by Hon’ble Lt Governor in registering himself as Ni-Kshay Mitra and adopting two TB patients is truly an inspiration for all to emulate and give TB patients the care and support they require in combating the disease. He urged all to come forward and register as Ni-kshay Mitras and collectively shoulder the responsibility towards eliminating TB and called upon the medical students to create awareness among the masses.
The Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health) also administered the TB Free India Pledge to the gathering on the occasion. The chief guest along with other dignitaries felicitated 31 Ni-Kshay Mitras from South Andaman for their efforts towards ending TB by 2025.They also released the annual report of NTEP, A&N Islands -2023. Certificates were also presented to volunteers of South Andaman District for NTEP Sub National Certification Survey.
Earlier, Dr. P Lal, Joint Secretary, National TB Elimination Programme welcomed the gathering and through a power point presentation elaborated on genesis of TB, significance of World TB Day observance, protocol for TB treatment, currents status of TB in A&N Islands, global and Indian scenario of TB, Risk factors associated with TB, tests for TB Diagnosis, Ni-Kshay Mitra and Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana, steps taken by A&N Administration and Health Deptt. in combating TB in Isles etc. and urged all to join hands in eliminating TB by 2025.
The students of School of Nursing presented a welcome song. A skit on Tuberculosis was presented by youth on the occasion. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Keerthivasan, Microbiologist, IRL.