Traveling is fun and a way of learning. And when the dark clouds cover the sky, traveling via air is even more adventurous. With both fun and anticipated adventure, the travel began.
With rapid urbanization, haphazard planning & construction, once the beautiful city today looks concrete on aerial view. Spotted Buddhanath Stupa amid the cluttered housing as the plane takes off to Dhangadi.
Delay!, routine culture of Nepalese airlines. But some delays are delightful. We roamed around the the sky of Attaraiya/Dhangadi for free for few extra minutes.
Although I expected to experience more turbulence; ignoring few sorts, the one hour flight was safe and reached on time, excluding delays during take-off.
Tuk-Tuk ( Mayuri, Danfe), a new popular mode of transportation which is found nowadays across all terrains of Nepal. No matter whether you are on hilly districts or on terai, you can enjoy ride on it.
I reached the venue, Regional Training Center hall, Dhangadi on time, despite the delay. I was supposed to facilitate MDR recording and reporting as well as Cohort review process.
Participants were medical doctors, drug resistance TB focal persons and laboratory focal person. I found new medical doctors were more keen to know about DR TB, their management, recording and reporting. During the review, I described them cohort review process, MDR R&R system and made them aware on the errors frequently observed on PMDT program recording and reporting.
After the theoretical sessions, we planned to organize a short visit to DR center at Seti Zonal Hospital with the objective to equip them with practical knowledge as well. So we communicated with DR TB Seti Zonal Hospital to assist us for the practical demonstration of PMDT program, their recording, reporting and cohort analysis process.
It was surprising to know that DR TB treatment services at Seti Zonal Hospital were delivered through two rooms. Although it was open but was not spacious. Even the design of the room have kept health workers at more risk of disease transmission. It shows the need for the investment in the DR TB management.
DR TB focal person, Khem Raj Joshi, describing the participants on the programmatic management of DR TB (PMDT) including associated DR TB forms/formats, recording and reporting mechanism.
National Tuberculosis Program depends largely on its microscopic centers as they are near to community and affordable as well. Skill of health worker for sputum smear preparation, their handling and proper examination is vital for TB cases diagnosis. NTP has its region based body to govern, ensure the quality of laboratory examination through sample verification & capacity building of lab. persons of the region. Meantime, we made a short visit to Regional Tuberculosis Quality Assurance Center along with RTLO Manoj Ojha.
After the onsite visit to DR TB center, participants gathered in their respective groups for the presentation on what they have observed, what were the gaps & challenges and what are recommendations for the programmatic improvements?
Medical Officer from Accham sharing his field visit observation, programmatic gaps and recommendations for the improvement of PMDT amid the presence of RTLO, and health coordinator of province 7.
Every program has its end. Only the result makes the difference. Participants during the post-test evaluation session.
Health coordinator of Province 7 assured to provide any kind of support from the province for the health and well being of DR-TB patients and encouraged all the participants to transform their knowledge into action.
Happiness is when you return back from job with healthy body and satisfied mind. Thanks to all the participants for their cooperation, as well as for demonstrating learning attitude.
Back to Kathmandu:
=> a place where federalism doesn't work, decentralization doesn't affect
=> a place where the eyes of Buddha never blink
=> a place where lord Shiva never rests!!
