Collector Pravin Kumar has directed both officials and field-level workers of the District Medical and Health Department and Women and Child Welfare Department to involve in the efforts towards eradication of TB.
Participating as chief guest at a meeting organised on the occasion of World TB Day at the Zilla Parishad Hall here on Saturday, Mr. Pravin Kumar called for collective efforts to achieve the goal. He said that there were 64 designated microscopy testing centres (sputum testing centres) in the district. The tests would be conducted free of cost and for those, who test positive for TB, treatment would be provided free.
He said that the death rate due to TB was brought down from 4% to 2% in the district and called for bringing it down to 0% . Voluntary organisations have to play a greater role in the eradication of TB.
Additional Joint Collector A. Siri said that anyone having cough for over two weeks, loss of weight and loss of appetite should undergo TB confirmation tests.
Mr. Pravin Kumar presented mementoes to employees, who rendered outstanding services towards the eradication of TB, and prizes to the winners of the competitions in essay writing and debate, organised in connection with the World TB Day. He also distributed tabs to field-level staff, employed in the TB Control Department.
Earlier, the Collector flagged off an awareness rally. District TB Control Officer N. Vasundhara said that awareness rallies and meetings were organised at all TB units and Primary Health Centres (PHC s) in the district. She said that four CBNAAT centres, which can confirm TB within two hours, have been sanctioned to the district.
District Medical and Health Officer R. Ramesh directed the officials to conduct awareness programmes for the medical and health workers till March 31.
