WTB Day: RSG Sets Up 102 Diagnostics Centres

As part of efforts to fulfil its campaign promises in a bid to eliminate Tuberculosis (TB), in the state, the Rivers State Government has procured 384 medical and diagnostics equipment, and established 12 highly diagnostics and 90 microscopic service centres to accelerate access to free testing and medical treatment of patients in the state.
Speaking to newsmen at the event marking this year’s World Tuberculosis Day, with the theme: “It’s Time To Get Ready,” last Saturday, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Prof Princewill Chike revealed that plans were on the way to expand TB service points to 1,200 across the state.
Chike explained that five chest X-ray service centres were being provided to aid childhood TB diagnosis in the state.
According to him, “The Rivers State Government through the Ministry of Health, in a bid to eliminate TB, has procured 384 facilities, and established 12 highly specialised diagnostics and 90 microscopic centres to improve access and coverage.
“Plans are on the way to expand these services to 1,200 service points across Rivers State, free chest X-ray services are being provided to aid childhood TB diagnosis, and the diagnosis and treatment of TB is free at all of these support centres. Drugs are available, and given under direct supervision experts to ensure compliance and cure,” the commissioner added.
Chike urged people in the state to observe their health conditions for symptoms of TB, and advised those who experience cough for two or more weeks to go for TB screening and test, adding that early detection was key to curing the disease.
“I appeal to all persons having cough for two weeks or more with associated weight loss and heavy sweating to avail themselves the opportunity of our free diagnosis and treatment services, and to avoid the purchase of TB medications over the counter as these drugs are free at state supported facilities,” he added.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana