Imphal, March 24: Under the theme "TB anywhere is TB everywhere", the World Tuberculosis Day was observed today at RIMS under the aegis of State TB Cell.

The observance was graced by Health Minister Gaikhangam, Director of State Health Services Dr Thiyam Suresh and RIMS Director Prof L Fimate as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Gaikhangam rejoiced over the fact that the once dreaded disease of TB can be cured completely with the help of DOTS treatment.

However, to cure the disease completely it is essential for the patients to follow the advice of doctors and to take medicines regularly and for the doctors to treat patients with love and dedication, he noted, adding only then TB can be cured completely.

Prof L Fimate said that the TB Day is being observed all over the world with seminars, workshops and conferences.

Though one feared as a killer disease, the advance ment in medical science can now check TB effectively, he observed while appealing to the people to join hands and work together towards eradication of the disease from the State.

To drive home the point that TB can be cured completely, a rally was taken out to commemorate the occasion by individuals who had recovered from TB.

Simple gifts were also presented to two DOTS provider each of Imphal West and Imphal East districts while three patients demonstrated TB treatment under DOTS.

As observed in other places, the World TB Day was also observed in the TB Block of Senapati.

The observance was graced by Senapati DC Dr Prem and Senapati CMO Dr Th Bhubonchandra as chief guest and president respectively.

Dr Prem said that the prime objective of the observance was to identify TB patients and to cure them.

In his speech, Dr Th Bhubonchandra informed that DOTS centres are specifically established to provide free treatment to TB patients.

He noted that TB is now a curable disease.

At the community hall of Chandel district headquarters, the day was observed under the overall supervision of District TB Officer (DTO) Dr Laring Anal.

SDO Chandel GB Sharma, DYCC (I) president Hs Lovingson Anal and District Co-operative Officer (DCO) Michael Paul graced the function as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Around 700 people including school students from different parts attended the function.

Meetei Leimarol Sinnai Sang (MLSS) also observed the day as World Stop TB Day programme by organising a special function at its discussion hall located at Khoyathong today.

The function presided over its president KC Sumati gave special focus on people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA.

State Co-ordinator of Population Foundation, India Mongjam Abhiram, Counsellor AC Nganthoibi, DOTs provider (MLSS) Th Kiranmala were among the resource persons who spoke at the occasion.

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