VALPOI
An awareness programme to eliminate tuberculosis and air-borne infectious diseases was organised at Community Health Centre (CHC) Valpoi, on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day.
The health advocacy was attended by prominent citizens of Valpoi including Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC) Chairperson Ramdas Shirodkar, Vice-chairperson Shaizin Shaik, councillors, sarpanchas and panchas from various panchayats in Sattari, former deputy speaker Narhari Haldankar, BDO Sattari Savaikar and CHC staff.
Medical officer and nodal officer for tuberculosis Dr Abhijit Wadkar gave a detailed presentation on tuberculosis. “The World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on March 24 and this year's theme 'unite to end tuberculosis' is highly important, as we can fight unitedly to eradicate tuberculosis from our country,” said Dr Wadkar.
He furthur said alcoholism is a major issue which is responsible for the TB patients defaulting the treatment. “Alcoholism needs to be addressed by the society with everyone's participation in creating awareness on ill effects of alcoholism. Alcoholics, uncontrolled diabetic patients and HIV patients are at more risk of developing tuberculosis,” added Dr Wadkar.
“As TB spreads through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing by an infectious TB patient. A simple measure like keeping a handkerchief would prevent the spread of the disease,” he said.
He requested the elected representatives to make united effort to spread the awareness of the disease and come forward to help the patients.
CHC Valpoi health officer Dr Surekha Parulekar welcomed the gathering, while CHC Valpoi sanitary inspector Killedar compered the function.
