New TB app

In a major step towards eradication of tuberculosis, the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, is developing a mobile application that can help keep track of the patient’s medication trend right from the point of diagnosis (designated microscopy centre), says a report in the Guwahati-based Assam Tribune. The new application will act beyond the existing Dots 99, which helps in tracking the progress only when the patient reports back to the physician for medication after being diagnosed with the disease.

The new app is being developed by the design department of IIT-Guwahati and is likely to be launched by next month, Dr NJ Das, state project officer, said on the sidelines of a media roundtable on TB. The app will be launched on pilot basis in Kamrup (Metro) and Nalbari districts.

Dr Das said that the app was demonstrated to them last week after which some modifications were suggested. “Through the app, the moment a person is diagnosed with TB, his or her personal details will be enrolled right at the microscopy centre and even if he or she chooses not to follow up with the physician, the person concerned can be tracked and proper medication can be ensured,” experts working on the project said.

Earlier at the media round table organised by Resource Group for Education and Advocacy on Community Health, Dr Dhruba Jyoti Deka, WHO consultant, informed that 37,000 to 38,000 TB cases are detected annually in the public sector hospitals in the state with another 2,000 to 3,000 reported from the private sector.

Dr Deka dwelt at length on the vulnerability of people living in tea gardens, border areas, char areas, slums, industrial units and children below 14 years of age.

Naga women’s reservation

The Nagaland state cabinet held a meeting last week and decided to constitute a Ministerial Committee to examine the issue of women reservation, which has remained in limbo for several years, says a report in the Dimapur-based Morung Express. It may be noted that the women reservation issue, among others, were focal points in the violent protests that led to the cancellation of Urban Local Body elections in January last year.

With not even a single woman MLA, let alone a minister from Nagaland, the committee is typically comprised of men. As decided in the meeting by the Nagaland cabinet, the committee will constitute G Kaito Aye, Minister as convener with Ministers CM Chang, Neiba Kronu, P Paiwang Konyak, Jacob Zhimomi, and advisor Mmhonlumo Kikon as members.

The meeting was held with the Advocate General, Nagaland, apprising the cabinet on various matters of importance pending before the Supreme Court and the High Court.

Army medical camp

Over 300 patients benefited from a two-day medical camp organised at remote Mago village in Tawang district by the Jang CHC in collaboration with the 2nd Garhwal Rifles and the 40 Mountain Brigade, with support from Hang Sports Club, according to a report in the Itanagar-based Arunachal Times.

The medical team was led by Jang CHC SMO Dr Rinchin Neema, and RMO Captain Agniban and MO Captain Sakshi from the Army’s 471 field hospital.

Dentist Dr Hage from the district hospital treated around 25 patients, while senior veterinary officer Dr Thutan Tashi treated 80 livestock and disbursed free medicines.