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Most Iringa TB patients treated at home -report
2007-04-08 10:53:09
By Friday Simbaya, PST, Iringa
At least ninety per cent of tuberculosis (TB) patients in Iringa Municipality are under home based care service, which means they are taking the TB drugs at home under the supervision of HBCs givers, PST has learnt.
According to a recent report by the Iringa Municipal Medical Officer, Dr. Erasto Mjemula, taking drugs at home not only reduces time for TB patients but also transport costs when seeking medical services.
Dr. Mjemula said the service has been brought to their doorsteps instead of walking long distances looking for TB drugs from the health centres, dispensaries, and hospitals.
He said patients have to choose where they could get the services and take some TB DOTS within their localities.
He was presenting the report to the Iringa District Commissioner, Elaston Mbwilo, who was the chief guest during the World TB Day celebrations held at the regional hospital grounds.
Dr.Mjemula further said in the past three years since 2004, 2,129 TB patients were diagnosed and are currently undergoing treatment.
According to the Municipal Medical Officer, a total of 2,129 patients were recorded between the year 2004 and this year with a sharp declining trend.
Dr. Mjemula said the cases of TB in the municipality decreased as years went by due to quality medical service delivery and the free TB drug service offered by the government.
There are 27 centres that can administer TB drugs to diagnosed patients but only six centres out of the total number can diagnose and treat TB.
He named the centres with care and treatment services (CTC) as Regional Hospital, IMECC Hospital, Aga Khan Health Center, Ngome Health Center, Ipogolo Health Centre and Igumbilo Dispensary.
Meanwhile the District Commissioner has called on people to stop sharing drinking utensils in local bars to avoid TB transmission.
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