Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 140/11

WORLD T B DAY OBSERVED

Shillong, March 24, 2011: As part of the world wide programme, the World Tuberculosis Day was also observed in the State at a function organized by the Office of the State Tuberculosis, Government of Meghalaya on March 24, 2011 at Don Bosco Youth Center, Shillong on the theme “Innovation” and the slogan is “On the move against Tuberculosis- transforming the fight towards elimination”.

Mr. Rowell Lyngdoh, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister incharge Health and Family Welfare graced the occasion as the chief guest while Dr. P.W. Khongjee, Parliamentary Secretary, Health and Family Welfare attended the programme as the guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Lyngdoh said that Tuberculosis (TB) is a curable disease and people should come forward and avail the opportunity offered through DOTS Centre for timely treatment, set up in the PHCs, CHCs and other Health Centres located in their respective areas.

He also urge upon all Health care providers including Nursing Homes, Private Practitioners and NGOs to come forward and join hands with the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in endeavoring to create public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease.

Earlier the chief guest handed over mementoes and certificates to the best Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) provider of every district and the best NGO performance award in the state was awarded to Nazareth Hospital, Shillong.

Others present on the occasion include Mr. M. R. Synrem, Additional Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Dr. A. K Das, Director of Health and Services (MI), Dr. (Mrs) S. M. Ryntathiang, State Tuberculosis Officer, Doctor and nurses from different hospitals in the State.