Day 10: TB & Leprosy Unit/ NCD Unit

TB/ Leprosy Unit was come under the CDC Unit. On the day 3, we did not manage to meet PPKP Roshafizi who in-charged of the TB/Leprosy Unit in Pendang DHO. Likewise, TB & leprosy were communicable diseases that can be notified via the use of E-Notifikasi. TB must be notified within 1 week time so that immediate treatment can be started and prevent the spread of the bacilli from one to another. The main objective of establishment of this unit was to notify and control the TB cases in Pendang.

Notifications:

Written notification forms

 

DOTS (Direct Observe Therapy, Short course)

The unit also carried out the disease control program to prevent the spread and early detection and treatment of the TB patients. The DOTS (Direct Observe Treatment) was the most effective strategy in controlling TB. Hence, in Pendnag DHO, DOTS service was available as well. We were brought to the treatment room and Mr. Roshafizi showed us the appointment card of the patient and the different drugs used in the Anti-tuberculous treatment. 

--> Short course chemotherapy which is used for 6 to 8 months for newly infected sputum positive patients.

-->  Direct observation on TB patient by the observer by seeing and ensuring the patient has swallowed the TB medications.

-->  The observer is usually from the district health office (health personnel) and staff nurses which are well-trained. They ensure that the patient takes the right medication with the right dosage in the correct  time. 

 --> Each dose of medication taken by the patient under supervision should be recorded. 

  

It recorded the date when the DOTS was started, and also the following dates when the patient came for DOTS in Pendang DHO. If there is any "miss-out" session in the appointment book, DHO officer will phone the patient to find out the reason they missed their medications and if the patient did not pick up the phone, health officers will pay a visit to their houses and advised them come back to DHO for the continuation of the DOTS to prevent any emergence of the drug-resistance strain due to breakdown of the treatment. 

As we knew that, TB treatment consists of multiple drugs to be taken by the patient in one shot at one time. The first line drugs used are Isioniazid (150mg), Ethambutol(400mg), Pyrazinamide (250mg), Rifampicin (300mg), Ethambutol (400mg), Pyridoxine (10mg), Second line treatment: Fluoroquinolones, Kanamycin, Amikacin. Akurit 3 and 4: This drug regime is combination of 3 to 4 different types of first line anti-TB drug. (not available in Pendang)