HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Feb 27: In line with the clarion call for a TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan as envisioned by the Prime Minister, a one-day media sensitisation workshop was organised at the NHM Conference Hall in Guwahati, Assam on Friday. The workshop saw participation from representatives of print, electronic and digital media houses to spearhead social action towards a TB-free India.
Dr Umesh Phangcho, Director of Health Services, Assam in his presentation emphasised the importance of media in the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. He highlighted the need to mitigate TB-related stigma, disseminate correct information and create awareness among communities about various schemes available under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). He urged media houses and line departments to generate awareness and help provide nutritional, psychosocial, vocational and livelihood support to affected individuals and their families.
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Addressing the media, Dr Lakshmanan S, Mission Director, NHM Assam, briefed participants on the various activities under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan currently underway in the state. He emphasised the need to spread information about the free services provided by the government for tuberculosis treatment. He also highlighted progress in implementing upfront NAAT tests over microscopy to reduce reporting time and ensure accurate diagnosis of TB.
Senior reporters and journalists from various regional media houses, officials of NHM Assam, the State Tuberculosis Officer and development partners, among others were present at the meeting. The event concluded with a call for “Ni-kshay Mitras” — individuals or organisations willing to adopt TB patients and provide additional nutritional and psychosocial support.
