Two days long Workshop to review Tuberculosis situation in Sikkim

Gangtok, July 4: Two days long Workshop to review Tuberculosis situation in Sikkim, commenced this morning here at European Commission Hall, STNM Hospital Complex, Gangtok.

Minister  for Health Care, Human Service and Family Welfare Department, Govt. of Sikkim Mr. A. K. Ghatani graced the inaugural session as the Chief Guest which was also attended by Secretary to Govt.of India -cum- Director General (ICMR) Govt. of India Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Representatives from World Health Organisation, Union India, USAID India, FIND India, FMR Mumbai, Scientists from ICMR Dibrugarh and Bhubaneswar and officials from Health Department, Govt. of Sikkim.


Addressing the inaugural session the Minister Mr. Ghatani urged the participants to prepare an effective and appropriate mechanism to address the issue of  Tuberculosis in Sikkim. He highlighted the initiatives taken up by the state govt. for controlling and prevention of TB in the state wherein he maintained that, all investigations including blood tests , X-rays, CT Scan & MRI, bed facilities are availed to the TB patients free of cost. The state has a DOTS PLUS SITE  at STNM Hospital for management of Drug Resistant TB,  IRL at STNM for diagnosis of Drug resistant TB along with CBNAAT (Gene Expert)machine for early diagnosis of DR TB, he informed.


The Minister also informed about the relentless effort made by Hon`ble Chief Minister of Sikkim to ensure better health services in the state. He expressed Chief Minister's concerns over the current situation of Tuberculosis in Sikkim and informed about the planning of the state govt. to establish separate TB Hospital for the better management of TB patients.

 In this connection, Health minister also urged the Secretary to Govt.of India -cum- Director General to release the required fund for Construction of TB Hospital and smooth functioning of activities under RNTCP Cell, Sikkim.


Highlighting the data related to registration of case and cure rate under Basic DOTS, MDR, XDR Minister called upon  Civil Societies, Religious Organizations, Press and Media etc. to take collective responsibilities for the prevention and control of the TB besides strong strategy of the Department.



Minister also emphasized to involve all the specialists to find out root cause of TB and to conduct such kind of workshop on periodical basis.

Secretary to Govt.of India -cum- Director General (ICMR) Govt. of India Dr. Soumya Swaminathan assured to extend support and cooperation to tackle the Tuberculosis scenario in Sikkim.

She also expressed concern over the proportion of MDR and affected age group and further suggested to conduct research, media campaign and extensive IEC activities to increase the awareness in Sikkim.

Earlier Additional Director-cum-STO (RNTCP) Dr. Peggy Karma Dadul presented overview of State profile on Tuberculosis scenario in Sikkim.