World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, 2023 themed Yes! We can end TB! observed at the conference hall of District Hospital Namchi

Namchi, 24th March (IPR): World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, 2023 themed Yes! We can end TB! was observed at the conference hall of District Hospital Namchi, today. Organized by District Tuberculosis Centre the Chief Guest for the occasion was Chairman Namchi Municipal Council Mr. Ganesh Rai also present amongst others were Chief Medical Officer (Namchi) Dr. D. C. Sharma, District Medical Superintendent (Namchi) Dr. S. N. Adhikari, District Tuberculosis Officer Dr Anju Rai, DRCHO (Namchi) Dr. Junita Yonzon alongside various staff and students from Namchi Senior Secondary school.
Addressing, the gathering Chief Guest elucidated on the importance to understand TB as a disease which requires a comprehensive response in terms of medical, social and economical features. Immediate response in diagnosis of TB is pertinent and with efficient treatment TB can be mitigated.
He also underlined particularly in the rural areas people suffering from TB faces both stigma and discrimination and urged the attendees especially the youngsters to grasp the concept of TB and then to advocate proper treatment under medical supervision while also enabling a supportive environment free of all the stigma and discrimination. He further stated that the State Government is committed in providing quality healthcare facilities in the state and highlighted that Sikkim will put efforts in tackling Tuberculosis in the coming years and for this, he updated that collective endeavour of medical fraternity, community and other stakeholders are sought after.
Speaking, during the occasion CMO (Namchi) Dr. D. C. Sharma informed about the various aspects of Tuberculosis, its symptoms and different ways to treat TB. He further congratulated the team of TB Centre as there has been a 20% reduction in T.B. Cases which he regarded as a huge achievement in combating TB. He further articulated that Namchi District Hospital includes a TB Centre which has the capacity to provide quality TB services and with the aid of developments in medicine the centre ensures that TB care services are available, accessible and affordable to all.
Medical Officer TB Centre Dr Pratik Rasaily spoke in brief about the causes, symptoms and prevention of
tuberculosis. He emphasized how the TB centre of Namchi is working consistently in combating TB and how the staff has supported the TB patients in getting cured. He also said that via schemes laid by the Centre and the State Government medical, food baskets and other amenities are being provided to TB patients for their effective recovery. He also spoke about Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative which includes a three-pronged support that is Nutritional, Additional diagnostic, and Vocational support and urged one and all to take advantage of this initiative.
District Tuberculosis Officer Dr. Anju Rai felicitated the Tuberculosis Centre Staff, Non-governmental Organizations namely Amardeep Club from Karek Namthang, RRC, EPCS Church, TB Champion and Survivors and other volunteers, who have played an active part in reducing Tuberculosis in the district.
During, the course of the program certificates was also handed to winners of Tuberculosis Slogan writing competition. The first position was given to Master Sovit Hang Subba, the second, third and fourth position was given to Master Rajan Rai, Master Sawan Subba and Master Pratik Sewa from Namchi Senior Secondary School, respectively.