Timely treatment of tuberculosis patients crucial: experts

932

RANGPUR, March 24, 2019 (BSS) – Health experts at a post-rally discussion today put maximum importance on timely treatment of tuberculosis (TB) infected patients for eradication of the completely curable disease.

They viewed this at the discussion held at the conference room of Civil Surgeon Office in observance of the World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, 2019 here.

The Civil Surgeon Office and National Anti-Tuberculosis Association of Bangladesh (NATAB) organised the rally and discussion under the National Tuberculosis Prevention Programme to observe the day.

Earlier, a huge rally participated by physicians, officials, health workers, nurses, teachers, students, public representatives, religious leaders, civil society members and NGO activists was brought out in the city.

With Civil Surgeon Dr Abu Md Zakirul Islam in the chair, Divisional Director (Health) Dr Amal Chandra Saha attended the discussion as the chief guest.

Director of Rangpur Medical College Hospital Dr Ajay Kumar Roy, Assistant Divisional Director (Health) Dr Md. Sirajul Islam, Associate Professor of Rangpur Medical College Dr Taposh Ghosh, Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Kaniz Fariha, Sadar Upazila Heath and Family Planning Officer Dr Rabi Sankar Mandal and President of Rangpur unit of NATAB Shah Md Nabiullah Panna addressed as special guests.

The Civil Surgeon discussed the present tuberculosis situation in Rangpur, reasons behind tuberculosis infection, government activities for prevention of tuberculosis and available cost-free treatment facilities everywhere.

The health experts discussed the severity, symptoms and available treatment facilities of multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis, Extra Pulmonary, extremely drug resistant (XDR) tuberculosis and micro-bacterial (MT) tuberculosis in Rangpur.

They also discussed functioning of GeneXpert Machines available at Tazhat Chest Disease Hospital in Rangpur and Chest Disease Centres (CDCs) at Gaibandha, Kurigram and Thakurgaon districts for diagnosing various types of tuberculosis.

The chief guest suggested for examining sputum using computerized devices and facilities at GeneXpert Laboratory and CDCs equipped with modern GeneXpert Machines to effectively diagnose the MDR and other types of tuberculosis.

“Early detection of tuberculosis infected patients is crucial side by side with conducting quick cough test, take preventive vaccines and full course intake of essential medicines without any interruption for their complete recovery,” he added.