10-bedded DOTS plus site for MDR TB patients inaugurated

GANGTOK, 09 Mar [IPR]: The 10-bedded DOTS plus site (MDR TB ward) at STNM Hospital was inaugurated by the Health Minister DN Takarpa on 06 March. On the occasion he was received by the Principal Director of Health Department Dr. I L Sharma, PCC cum Medical Superintendent of STNM Hospital Dr. Uma Pradhan, Director of Health Services Dr. V Singhi, Additional Director cum STO Dr. R Dorjee and head of the units of STNM Hospital.
The DOTS Plus site is for admitting the MDR TB patients for pre-treatment evaluations, to monitor the tolerance of injectable drugs and management of adverse drug reactions. Subsequently, they will be put on RNTCP standardized treatment which will be directly observed to ensure the completion of treatment by the MDR TB patients. This would ensure higher cure rate of MDR TB patients and also help to contain the spread of MDR TB in the community,
The Health Minister also visited the MRI and CT scan units of STNM Hospital. Following which there was a meeting with the Principal Director, PCC cum Medical Superintendent, senior doctors from the department and senior specialists on various issues of the STNM Hospital and the department. The Minister assured that all the issues would be considered and necessary steps would be taken to resolve them.