Let's Stop TB

World TB Day 2008 was jointly organized by Karnataka State Health and Family Welfare Department (TB Division), Karnataka State TB Control Society and Indian Development Foundation at Bangalore on 24th March.

Mr. Madan Gopal, Secretary, Karnataka State Health and Family Welfare Department inaugurated the event and observed that every individual has a social responsibility towards stopping TB. He called for complete involvement of all the health personnel and community volunteers to make the RNTCP (Revised National Tuberculosis Program) a great success.

Mr. Gopal honoured nine students from various colleges and schools in the city with certificates and cash prizes for their meritorious participation in `Let’s Stop TB’ Essay writing competition organized by the Indian Development Foundation.

Mr. Basavaraju, Commissioner, Karnataka State Health and Family Welfare Department expressed happiness on the participation of Medical Officers Tuberculosis Centre, Senior Treatment Supervisors and Senior Treatment Lab Supervisors in the World TB Day. He felicitated the DOTS providers and representatives of the NGOs for their excellent work.

Sri Japananda Swamiji, Director, Vivekananda Rural Development Society, Pavagada, and the Chief Guest, released the health education materials on TB. He pointed out the need for better collaborative efforts between the Government and NGOs and stressed the importance of promoting community participation in TB work.

Dr. Dinamani, Joint Director, Karnataka State Health and Family Welfare Society (TB Division) presented a report on RNTCP activities in the State. Dr. Prem Leela, Director, Karnataka State Health and Family Welfare Department, Dr. Surya Narayan from National Tuberculosis Institute, Dr. Subramaniam, President, Family Physicians Association graced the occasion.

Dr. S. Franklin, Area Manager, Indian Development Foundation (Karnataka) expressed his thanks for making IDF a partner for the World TB Day event as he received honours for providing better support and co-ordination. Mr. Chidambaram, Manager-SR, IDF and the IDF Karnataka team comprising Mr. H. Gurumurthy, Mr. K. Srikantha and Mr. Umesh Prasanna lent support in organizing the event.

Earlier Dr. Shashidar Buggi, Secretary, Karnataka State TB Control Society, welcomed and gave a brief account of TB status in Karnataka.

Stage shows were performed by nursing students of St. Martha’s Hospital and volunteers from Sandeep Seva Nilayam, and Gejje Hejje Association, enlightening the participants on the importance of regular and complete treatment.