Manipur will be the first state installing molecular-based equipment for TB diagnosis and confirmation of multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) in the country.
Informing the advances in TB treatment technology in the state, Dr Y Gopalkrishna Singh, State TB Officer, Manipur informed media persons during a press meet held today at the hall of R&D Wing, Medical Directorate here that after the Intermediate Reference laboratory (IRL) located at Lamphelpat has been equipped with Cartridge Based Nucleic acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) since 2013. The state has 3 more CBNAAT installed and functional in JNIMS (IE), Churachandpur and Senapati district hospitals.
He also informed that another 5 more CBNAAT machines will be installed covering all the districts.
While further informing about the advances in medical technologies, Dr Gopalkrishna said that with the completion of all these installations Manipur will be the first state to equip with CBNAAT in all districts.
During the meet he also informed that the state will observe the World TB Day on 19 March instead of 24 March under the theme “Unite to end TB”.
Stating the crucial step in controlling the deathly disease, Dr Gopalkrishna said TB program alone cannot solve the health problem, it need mass awareness and mass effort.
He said mass awareness is the single-most important contribution towards a TB free community across the nation.
The TB Officer also urged all public, private, NGOs working in health care sector as well every individual to join together in successfully controlling the disease.
