IMPHAL, June 19: A one day advocacy workshop on Care and Control of TB in Manipur was held today at the Hotel Classic organized by the Manipur State TB Society, Manipur State TB NGO forum and Global Health Advocate, India for MPs, Ministers and MLAs on TB Care & Control in Manipur.
The workshop was attended by Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing, Lok Sabha MP, Dr T Meinya, Khurai MLA, Ng Bijoy and Oinam MLA Dr Ibohalbi Singh.
State TB Officer, Manipur Dr RK Laksana spoke on TB Scenario including DR-TB; SACS representative Dr Meena Seram on TB/HIV; RIMS Doctor Dr N Tombi Singh on TB in Women & Pedriatic while NGO representative, Eraichao spoke on Manipur State TB NGO forum.
During his speech, Dr Laksana used a power point presentation to elaborate on the various issues related to TB and the state.
He said that people prefer private hospitals and its facilities over the public hospitals inspite of the cost factor.
Expressing that the people think medicines provided by the private hospitals are better than those provided free of cost by the public hospitals, he said that the notion is wrong.
Health Minister Phungzathang said before implementing any new scheme or policy regard health issue in the state, he would like to visit each and every district of the state including the district hospitals and inspect and understand their demands and necessities.
He also expressed the necessity of collaboration between the state health department, NGOS, state AIDS Control Society and others on the issue.
Meanwhile, NGO Forum representative, Eraicho expressed the need for the state Ministers’ involvement on the TB issue.
He elaborated that the Ministers should have an active role in fighting TB and urged for an increase in the budget sanctioned for TB section.
He also said that infected children should be provided to with special nutrition and diet.
Another highlight of the day was a panel discussion moderated by ISTV chief editor Rupachandra and attended by MP T Meinya, Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing, MLA Dr I Ibohanbi Singh, MLA Dr Ng Bijoy Singh, Health Commissioner K Moses Chalai, STO Dr RK Laksana Singh, AMWJU president A Mobi Singh, Dr Jayenta among others.