ZCZC
BSS-29
MOBILE-TB-DETECTION
TB patients to be detected through mobile x-ray vans
DHAKA, March 1, 2020 (BSS) – The National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) of the government and BRAC have jointly taken a unique approach for TB detection through high-tech mobile x-ray vans.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque inaugurated the mobile x-ray vans at a function at Hatirjheel in the capital today, a BRAC press release said.
Asadul lslam, Secretary of Health Service; Prof Dr Abul Kalam Azad, Director General of Health Service; Prof Dr Md Shamiul Islam, Line Director, TB and Leprosy, DGHS; Dr Md Akramul Islam, Director of Communicable Diseases and WASH, BRAC; Dr Mahfuza Rifat, Associate Director, TB control programme, BRAC; actress Tropa Majumdar; and representatives from donor organisations were present on the occasion.
To speed up the TB control campaign, the BRAC will implement this programme under the supervision of the NTP.
Two vans will begin detecting TB among people today in different slum areas, garment factories and prisons at free of cost. The prisons, which are being brought under the coverage, are Kashimpur, Chattogram and Shylet. Another van will also cover the forcibly displaced Myanmar national (FDMN) area in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps.
The vans would be equipped with X-ray screening and GeneXpert machine and everyday 50-80 person would be able to access the treatment at free of coat.
It will have one lab technician and one radiographer would be available to help a presumptive patient through online system to provide quick report. To cover the wide population, two more x-ray vans would be introduced by July-August this year.
BSS/PR/MRI/MMA/1950hrs