Meghalaya: West Garo Hills observes World Tuberculosis Day

TURA:

The District Tuberculosis Office in West Garo Hills (WGH), on Wednesday, organised a programme on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day.

The Deputy Commissioner of WGH, Ram Singh, graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

The programme centred on the theme “The Clock is Ticking” and aimed to spread the message that the world is running out of time to act on the commitments made by global leaders to eradicate TB.

“India is a country having the highest number of TB patients in the world. At present, most of the health care programmes are being monitored right from the grass-root level. Active surveillance of these programmes is necessary, especially in villages,” Singh said.

The Joint Director of health services, Garo Hills Division, Dr Menakshi Sangma, sought the cooperation of the public and urged people to come forward if they have any symptoms of TB.

Meanwhile, District Tuberculosis Officer Tura, Dr John BK Marak, highlighted the history and background of World Tuberculosis Day.

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“The day is observed to commemorate the day when Dr Robert Koch, the German Microbiologist, discovered the Mycobacterium bacilli of Tuberculosis in 1882,” Marak said.

He informed about the various programmes being implemented in the State to treat TB patients, including strategies and incentives provided by the Government of India.

Additional District Medical and Health Officer, West Garo Hills Dr Bijoy Dev Barman informed that the Prime Minister of India, in 2018, stated that TB would be eliminated in the country by 2025, five years ahead of the global target given by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“The government is providing free testing, diagnosis, treatment, transportation including incentives for nutritional support for TB patients,” he said.

Barman also lauded the hard work and dedication of the Health Officials and staff of the District TB Hospital and urged the public to work together to eliminate TB in Meghalaya.

(Edited by Ladiangti Rani)

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