Shillong, January 23 : The District TB Office of East Khasi Hills conducted a Tuberculosis (TB) sensitization and screening program for community members in Lower Lumparing, Shillong. The outreach event, held today, aimed to raise awareness about TB, its symptoms, and the available treatment options.
Dr. B. R. Garod, Medical Officer in charge of Lumparing Urban Primary Health Centre, highlighted the significance of understanding TB and its societal impact. She explained common symptoms, including persistent cough (with or without blood), fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, night sweats, chest pain, lumps, and chronic illness, encouraging community members to seek screening if they experience these symptoms.
Dr. Bayarilin Shanpru, District TB Officer, emphasized that TB is preventable and curable, with free treatment available at all government health facilities. She spoke about the government’s goal of eliminating TB by 2025 and introduced the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA), a new initiative to achieve this target. Dr. Shanpru also discussed the government’s call for “Nikshay Mitras” (donors) to provide additional support to TB patients, such as food baskets, to improve treatment outcomes and address nutritional needs during treatment. She reported that the district currently has 556 patients undergoing treatment with an 85% success rate, demonstrating the effectiveness of TB treatment.
The program is part of the 100-Day Intensified TB Campaign, focusing on sensitization and screening of vulnerable populations. The campaign aims to increase case detection using advanced screening and diagnostic technologies to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Andrew Marbaniang, a TB survivor and champion, shared his personal recovery story, emphasizing the importance of timely and proper treatment. He encouraged all patients to adhere to their medication regimens to contribute to a TB-free society.
The public awareness campaign was attended by Dr. B. Shanpru, Dr. B. R. Garod, TB Champion Andrew Marbaniang, Rangbah Shnong Bah D. Shabong, and local residents.
