During world TBaday celebrations in Tabubil, Western province, a new Gene Expert Machine was launched.
The machine isthe second for the Western Province. The device allows health professionals to know within two hours if patients suspected of havingthe TBegerm are positive.
The machine will also give doctors an indication as to wether a suspect TBepatient is resistant to first line drugs. This machine purchased by OK Tedi Mine Ltd isthe second for Western Province. Resident TBePhysician Dr. Randy Moke said in 2012 Western Province recorded more than 100 people living withthe multi drug resistant TBe
A couple of weeks back a 20 year old female from Daru dlied from this killerstrain of TBe
MDI TBeis costly to treat. Drugs for one patient alone costs almost K15, 000.00. Dr. Moke called for community support to ensure that those suspected of TBebe brought for immediate check. Tabubil Hospital Disease Control Officer, John Kepolon, saidthere is a slow increase in TBecases. January and February 2013 recorded 43 cases.
“Now we have bought an expensive machine that is well over K70, 000 to K80, 000… to diagnose TBequickly and treat patients quickly.”
Mr Kepalon was grateful to global fund for fundingthe treatment and to OTML for it’s assistance ofthe Gene expert machine.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=WdiIRKPnQ2c%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
