DRASS: District Hospital Drass on Thursday organised a Tuberculosis (TB) Awareness Programme under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) to raise public awareness about the disease and encourage collective efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with tuberculosis.
The programme brought together health officials, medical professionals and members of the public to spread awareness about the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of TB. During interactive sessions, doctors explained that tuberculosis is a completely curable disease when patients adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen.
Health officials stressed the message that social stigma often poses a greater challenge than the disease itself, noting that fear, misconceptions and discrimination discourage many patients from seeking timely diagnosis and treatment. Participants were informed that individuals undergoing treatment under the Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) programme become non-infectious after a few weeks of regular medication.
Speakers appealed to the public to treat TB patients with compassion, dignity and support rather than prejudice, emphasising that community participation is essential for achieving the objectives of the National TB Elimination Programme.
As part of the awareness initiative, informational displays and educational materials were exhibited to help people recognise the early symptoms of tuberculosis, seek prompt medical consultation and complete the full course of treatment.
The programme concluded with participants taking a collective pledge to spread awareness, counter misinformation and contribute towards the goal of making Drass and the country free from tuberculosis.
Deputy Commissioner Drass and Block Medical Officer (BMO) Drass attended the awareness programme.
