World TB Day at Bangalore

Indian Development Foundation (IDF), along with Karnataka State T.B. Association and Office of the Joint Director of Tuberculosis, organised various mass awareness campaigns, including an Essay contest for school students during World TB Day 2009. Thousands of students from all over Karnataka have participated in the contest.

The best essays in the State and each district for both English and Kannada received prizes on the World TB Day function organised at Puttanna Chetty Town Hall, Bangalore on 24th March 2009.

THE HINDU from Bangalore reported the event.

Early detection of tuberculosis (TB) and regular follow-up of patients diagnosed with it are the important factors in eradicating the disease, Health and Family Welfare Secretary M. Madan Gopal said here on Tuesday.
[FC Teena Andrews, student of Bishop Cotton Girls HS, Bangalore bagged the 2nd prize in Karnataka State in the Essay contest. Mr. M. Madangopal IAS, Principal Secretary, Dept of Health and Family Welfare doing the presentation.]

Speaking at a programme organised by the Karnataka State Tuberculosis Association and the State Health and Family Welfare Department, Mr. Madan Gopal said the disease could not be controlled despite concerted efforts by the Government because of ignorance and lack of cooperation from the patients and their family members.
“There has been a tendency in some patients to discontinue the medicines after taking it for some time. It is necessary to educate the patients and their family members about the importance of getting treated,” he said.

[*Master Manadeep, student of Warriors School, Challakere won the state level 1st prize in Kannada Essay writing competition.

*Master Nishchith, IDF social ambassador receiving honours from the Chief Guest.]

Pointing out that the role of health workers was vital in implementing the various Government health schemes, Mr. Madan Gopal called upon the workers to consider their work as a responsibility and not mere duty.

Inaugurating the programme, Swami Japananda of Swami Vivekananda Comprehensive Rural Development Organisation, Pavagada, called upon the health department officials and workers to devote more time with the patients and listen to their problems. Posters to create awareness about the disease and clear misconceptions were released on the occasion.

[*Dr. S. Franklin honoured by Mr. Nilay Mithash, IAS, Mission Director National Rural Health Mission.
* Street Play (Co-sponsored by IDF and Bangalore Mahanagara Palike RNTCP) on TB was performed by Slumskara (Medical Students from Ambedkar Medical College, B'lore]
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/idfmumbai/WorldTBDayAtBangalore?feat=directlink
http://www.thehindu.com/2009/03/25/stories/2009032559800400.htm