District Tuberculosis Control Society (DTCS), Leh observed World Tuberculosis Day in collaboration with Women’s Alliance Leh.

President, Women’s Alliance Leh, Tsering Chondol appreciated the medical fraternity for their dedication and role in the elimination of TB and expressed gratitude for making Women’s Alliance a part of the event. She assured that the members of the Women’s Alliance in all the different villages would cooperate and spread awareness about tuberculosis at their level. She added that a block-level awareness program on TB would be beneficial for the public.

Chief Medical Officer, Leh, Dr Nurzin Angmo informed that UT Ladakh, Leh district has achieved bronze certification in the Sub-National Certification under NTEP rolled out by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to review the progress towards TB Free status. She lauded the effort of the District TB Control Society and its staff for achieving this feat and their continued dedication and hard work.

CMO Leh stressed the need for the de-stigmatization of TB patients by society and appealed to everyone to not harbour any biases against them. Focusing on the curability of TB with medical treatment, Dr Nurzin shared that in all government hospitals TB diagnosis and medicines are freely provided.

Physician specialist, Dr Tashi Thinless gave a detailed powerpoint presentation highlighting different aspects of tuberculosis including, challenges to eradication, programmatic management of drug-resistant TB (PMDT), tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) for high-risk cases and latent TB.

Earlier, highlighting the significance of the World Tuberculosis Day, Medical Superintendent, SNM Hospital, Leh, Dr Tsewang Chorol shared that the day is observed to educate and spread awareness among the public about TB. She lauded the healthcare workers for their extensive surveys to trace and diagnose TB cases under National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).

Further she informed that Leh district has seen a reduction of 20% in new TB cases between 2015 to 2021. She informed that the deadline for TB elimination for UT Ladakh is 2022 and urged for the cooperation of all for timely achieving the goal. She stressed that women could play an important role in spreading awareness about TB.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Leh, Dr Manzoor-ul- Haq presented the vote of thanks.

President and members of Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam (women’s wing); District Tuberculosis Officer, Leh; Drug Inspector, Leh; Assistant Drug Controller, Leh; members and representatives of Women’s Alliance Leh and staff of District TB Control Society, Leh were present on the occasion.