Inauguration of Patient Support Group World TB Day - 2023
World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on March 24. On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day 2023, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT), Government Hospital of Thoracic Medicine (GHTM)-Tambaram, and National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP)-Chengalpattu jointly organized an event to provide TB awareness and support to those affected by tuberculosis. As part of this event, “Wings of Support (Udhavum Siragugal)” – a patient support group was launched and inaugurated by Dr. C. Padmapriyadarsini, Director, ICMR- National Institute for Research Tuberculosis to help those affected by the disease.
The program with an engaging and entertaining street play by social work students conveyed messages about TB awareness, dispelled myths surrounding the disease, and highlighted available treatments.
Further, the Wings of Support group conducted a group activity that included a group discussion aimed at providing emotional support for those affected by the illness and their caregivers. In this event, patients and their caregivers shared their experiences of treatment and the methods they adopted to combat the disease with enthusiasm and hope.
Dr. Vinod Kumar, MD, Superintendent-GHTM, Dr. M. Radhika, RMO-GHTM Dr. Kaleeshwari, District Tuberculosis Officer-Chengalpattu, and Dr. N. Karikalan, Head-Department of Social and Behavioral Research, ICMR-NIRT participated in the program. The community advisory board members and social activists Mr. Suresh M and Mr. Joseph Julian also participated in the event. Staff members of GHTM, NTEP, ICMR-NIRT, and intern students from Loyola and SRMIST College also participated in the event.
Finally, everyone took the World Tuberculosis Day Pledge.
