The participants pledged to provide all necessary support in strengthening TB control programme in the state. They also drafted a memorandum which was later submitted to the Health Minister and Health Secretary of Tamil Nadu Government, as well as others involved with TB control. The memorandum requested for immediate government action for:
- Involvement of NGOs as equal and active partners in the state TB Control programme at all levels and provision of funds to the NGOs under various RNTCP schemes.
- Formation of a TB task force committee at State and District levels and all stakeholders to participate in the quarterly review meetings at district levels
- Provision of Nutritional Support to TB patients from the existing government nutritional schemes; and financial assistance of Rs.2000/- per month to all TB patients during the full course of treatment period
- Addressing the shortage/non availability of drugs (like streptomycin injections and rifampicin) for TB treatment
- Strict implementation of the Government of India orders on (i) ban of serological test for TB, which is still rampant in the private sector and (ii) notifying every case of TB
- Use of untied fund provided under Village Health & Sanitation Committee (VHSC) formed under NRHM towards travel cost of TB patients coming for sputum examination and treatment
- Appointment of full time RNTCP staff on a priority basis to ensure patient friendly services and filling up of all vacant posts in the State TB cell and State training & demonstration centre (including those of District Tuberculosis Control Officers, Lab technicians and TB Health Visitors)
- Timely disbursement of incentives to the community DOTS providers
- Ensuring proper functioning of microscopes in all District Microscopy Centres
- Addressing childhood TB for early diagnosis and proper treatment
Citizen News Service - CNS
March 2013
