Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan sensitization program organized in Ri Bhoi District

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 16, 2023

The Office of the District Tuberculosis Officer, Ri-Bhoi District on Thursday organized a sensitization meeting for potential donors of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA) at RNB Carbide & Ferro Alloy Ltd.

Dr. E Kalwing, District TB Officer, emphasized the importance of early detection by educating attendees about the signs and symptoms of Tuberculosis. She encouraged community members to undergo screening if they experienced persistent cough, fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, or coughing with blood. Dr. Kalwing highlighted that TB is a preventable and curable disease with free treatment available at all Government health facilities.

Aligning with the state and country goals of eliminating TB by 2025, Dr. W Chyne, Medical Officer, Umsning Tuberculosis Unit, discussed the new initiative of the government on Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA). He urged potential donors to become Nikshay Mitras, providing additional patient support through the distribution of food baskets to improve treatment outcomes and fulfill nutritional requirements.

S Nongkynrih, Programme Manager, DIC Ri Bhoi District, talk about the challenges posed by COVID-19 and TB. He appealed to CSR companies to support TB patients and collaborate with the Health Department in fighting against the disease.

Risbunlang Marbaniang, Programme Coordinator, Jhpiego, provided information on the donor registration process. Interested individuals can visit the NIKSHAY web portal (https://reports.nikshay.in/FormIO/DonorRegistration) or seek assistance from their nearest Primary Health Center (PHC), Community Health Center (CHC), or District Tuberculosis Officer.

The program was also attended by Dr. M Diengdoh, Block Medical Officer, Umsning Block, R Marbaning, DPC Jhpiego, N Tracy Kharkamni, State Coordinator ACSM, State TB Office, FJ Diengdoh, District programme Coordinator, students of St. Joseph University, Bangalore, Managers and representatives from various factories and industries from the Umiam area.