the goan I network
VASCO
In a major initiative to end the tuberculosis menace in Goa, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), a national voluntary organization of Doctors of the modern scientific system of medicine, on Friday highlighted various efforts they have undertaken to achieve the Government of India’s vision to ‘End TB’.
The IMA’s initiatives are part of a joint collaboration with the Government to reach out to every private doctor and through them, every TB patient in Goa.
As per the Government TB Report, in the year 2018, Goa had notified 2,507 TB patients. As compared to 2017, the State notified 516 additional cases in 2018. The notifications from the private sector improved as additional 175 cases were notified by private doctors in 2018. There was 25% improvement in notification by private sector in 2018.
Addressing the media, Dr Anil Mehndiratta, President, Goa State Branch IMA, said: “The State IMA is informing private doctors of the various facilities made available by the Government under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) for the benefit of patients seeking care from private sector, including free diagnosis, drugs and NIKSHAY Poshan Yojana under which every TB patient gets Rs 500 per month towards nutrition support till completion of treatment.”
“We are also conducting targeted CMEs to sensitize private doctors on newer updates in management of TB. Free CBNAAT tests is done for presumptive TB cases and for all diagnosed, notified TB patients from both public and private sector.”
“There is a mobile van equipped with CBNAAT stationed in Hospicio Hospital, Margao, one Nodal Drug resistance TB centre at Taligao and one District Drug Resistant TB Centre at South Goa District hospital initiates Drug resistant patients on Second line TB drugs,” said Dr Mehndiratta.
He informed that newer regime like shorter regimen and H monopoly drug regimen have been initiated for eligible Drug resistant TB patients in the State and First line Daily Regimen (FDCs) is provided for all drug sensitive TB patients which is available even for private sector TB patients free of cost.
“In addition, IMA is taking innovative steps to promote NIKSHAY app and incentives to improve notification from private sector. The IMA is working to galvanize doctors in the private sector to increase notification and work toward the cause of ending TB by optimal utilization of NIKSHAY.” said Dr Mehndiratta.
“NIKSHAY, a useful phone app that allows doctors to notify TB patients through a simple interface also helps in TB patient management and care.” “Private doctors can also use other methods including the Government’s call centre at 1800-11-6666 for notification of TB patients. To encourage doctors to use the NIKSHAY app for notifications, the government has also introduced an incentive for doctors – Rs 500 on TB notifications and Rs 500 on the report of treatment outcome,” added Dr Mehndiratta.
