Awareness on antimicrobial resistance in DH Tuensang

June 11, 2022 103 Views No Comment

Increasing incidence of Multi-Drug Resistance bacteria highlighted

Morung Express News
Tuensang | June 11

As a part of their outreach programme, the District Hospital, Tuensang held an awareness programme on antimicrobial resistance on June 9. The programme was organised by Integrated Molecular Diagnostic and Research Laboratory (BSL-2) at the Conference Hall, District Hospital in Tuensang.

The event aimed at disseminating awareness amongst community members on antimicrobial resistance and rational use of antimicrobials, to create an understanding of knowledge, attitude, behaviors, and practices related to antibiotics use and antimicrobial resistance at the population level.

Dr Noklangkumla, MD (Respiratory Medicine) and Mohan Sharma, Research Scientist BSL-2 were the theme speakers.

During the programme, Dr Noklangkumla described the clinical aspects and challenges of antimicrobial resistance. She also emphasised on the importance of consultation with the doctors and laboratory testing in case of any diseases or health related issues, instead of practicing self-medication.

Mohan Sharma highlighted on the different factors leading to the development of antimicrobial resistance among the microbes. He also discussed on the various possibilities of utilising the existing BSL-2 facility, for more accurate and timely diagnosis of various deadly diseases, as well as the research potential of the highly sophisticated BSL-2 laboratory.

He also brought to light the rough status of increasing incidence of Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR) bacteria in the region, based on the findings of the laboratory.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr S Kuotsutho, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital, Tuensang, stated that, “The very reason to conduct this awareness programme on this topic is because it is becoming a global issue and there is a need to create awareness among the general public.”

He also highlighted on the facilities available the BSL-2 for meeting the surveillance studies on antimicrobial resistance.
In his address he also remarked that the BSL-2 lab is one among the only three in the state. He maintained that the staff and researchers at the laboratory are trying their best to provide the best medication after testing in the lab.

He also raised concerns that the tenure for Research Scientist Mohan Sharma has been terminated. “Sharma is doing a good job but maybe for the last three or four months, his service has already been terminated but his service in invaluable in this lab,” he remarked.

He made an appeal to the people present there, “To at least inform the respected leaders about this matter that people like Sharma who is here in Tuensang and is doing a wonderful job but he is not given his extension and most unlikely that he will get also.”

Arhonbeni Ezung, EAC, District Administration, Tuensang, also appreciated and highlighted the importance of the programme and the dissemination of the information among the general public.

Pastors of all the churches of Tuensang town, women leaders and associate women pastors, associate youth pastors, representatives from district administration, representatives from the office of the drug inspector and staff of the District Hospital attended the event.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Chubasenla, staff nurse while invocation prayer was spoken by Avini, Chaplain, District Hospital, Tuensang.

Later, President, Pastors Union Tuensang Town pronounced the benediction prayer while the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Imlongchaba, MD, Dermatology.

Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/awareness-on-antimicrobial-resistance-in-dh-tuensang