State TB control prog faring well; achieves 93% cure rate

DIMAPUR: Biannual review meeting with NGOs cum first quarterly review meeting of revised national TB control programme (RNTCP) was held on April 19 at the conference hall, directorate of health and family welfare, Kohima.
Nagaland has been performing exceptionally well in TB control programme by achieving National targets and has been among the Top 5 states in the country since the last 4 years.
Commissioner and secretary, health and family welfare Menukhol John in his opening remark lauded the RNTCP for its commendable performance, at the same time challenged the state and district staff to strive harder bag achieve the first position at national level.
After an overview of RNTCP during 2010-11 delivered by state TB officer, Dr. K T Lotha, the NGOs present in the meeting gave their presentation on activities conducted during the last 6 months.
With the inclusion of Emmanuel Hospital Association and CBCI (Catholic Bishop Council of India), the total number of NGOs working with RNTCP under the new signed scheme stands at 21.
Various schemes implemented in the state include sputum collection and transportation scheme, ACSM (Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization), TB HIV, Slum Scheme and the DMC (designated Microscopy Centre) Scheme.
During the 1st Quarter of 2011, Nagaland could achieve CDR (Case Detection Rate) of 78% while the CR (Cure Rate) was 93% which is much higher than the expected National Targets 70% CDR and 85% CR respectively.
The meeting was well attended by Dr. Imtimeren Jamir, Principal Director, Directorate of Health& Family Welfare, Dr. Shankar Dapkekar, newly appointed RNTCP North East Consultant, Dr Girish Singh CBCI Consultant, DHFW officers along with officers and staff of state TB Cell and district TB centre.