DC inaugurates sensitization prog for PRI members regarding Infectious Diseases

B’pora : The District Administration Bandipora on Thursday celebrated World Tuberculosis Day to raise public awareness about the disease and step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic.
A grand seminar in this regard was held at the Conference Hall Mini Secretariat, here under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC), Dr Owais Ahmad.
Chief Medical Officer Bandipora, Dr Bashir Ahmad Khan Block Medical Officer Dr.Masarat Iqbal Wani, Faisal Ali Dar an Indian sports enthusiast, and first person to receive the Padma Shri Award in sports from Bandipora Kashmir were also present on the occasion.
Dr.Owais in his address spoke on the importance of World TB Day, causes of TB, Management (DOTS) and prevention of TB. He stressed on effective communication strategy that would focus on reaching the maximum population; complement with preventive, diagnostic and curative aspects of TB management and focus on community ownership and mobilization.
He said that there is dire need to raise public awareness about the spread of the disease that is treatable and preventable and the Government has taken up strong steps to control the disease and save millions of precious lives.
He assured full cooperation from district administration in every endeavor to eradicate Tuberculosis. “We are relentlessly fighting the pandemic from the last two years but even at a time when COVID is taking prioritized attention, we should not lose sight of the goal to eliminate TB by 2025,” added Dr Owais.
Dr Bashir Ahmad CMO Bandipora sensitized the group saying that health is every individual’s responsibility and also highlighted the other programs conducted by District Administration in a view to create awareness on the disease.
Dr Masarat Iqbal BMO Bandipora expressed happiness in organizing and coordinating such awareness programs. Dr.Ab Majid Senior Physician consultant talked about various signs, symptoms and treatment.
A play was conducted on signs and symptoms, management and prevention of TB, by students with the help of audio visual aids highlighting the causes, symptoms, management and prevention. Mehraj din, member of the organising committee welcomed the proposed vote of thanks on the awareness program that the fight against TB needs to be made into a people’s movement.
Health care workers Asha’s along with Medical officers of block Bandipora HWCs, District Tuberculosis cell unit working in the field of TB care & management urged for joint collaborative efforts where all the partners could join hands & forces together in elimination of Tuberculosis.
A massive public awareness rally was also organised on the occasion in which students, Doctors, paramedical staff of Bandipora & Asha workers participated and was flagged off from Deputy Commissioner’s office by Dr Owais Ahmad.
On the occasion, students from different schools spoke about the disease and its cure. Doctors and specialists also threw light on the nature and cure of disease. Awards were distributed among the students who participated in the program.
The rally passed through markets and other public places culminating in the lawns of District Hospital Bandipora where BMO Bandipora paid Vote of thanks to the all Participants who made this awareness program successful.
Later, the DC inaugurated a day long sensitization program for members of Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) regarding infectious diseases under Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP).
The District Epidemiologist gave a detailed presentation about infectious diseases followed by a question answer session.
The DC on the occasion highlighted the role of PRIs in strengthening the community and event based surveillance and said that the PRIs can be helpful to strengthen Village Health, sanitation and nutrition besides helping in other measures to eradicate any disease.
Dr Owais said PRIs are the first responders in outbreaks and help to detect early warning signals of impending outbreaks besides helping to integrate, Co-ordinate and Decentralize surveillance activities.
He said involving PRIs at grass roots level will help in early detection of outbreaks, early institution of containment measures thereby helping to reduce morbidity and mortality besides minimizing economic losses.