World Tuberculosis Day Observation at JMN Medical College
Objective
World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on 24th March to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social, mental and economic consequences of tuberculosis and to accelerate the efforts on ending tuberculosis globally. This date commemorates the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, paving the way of diagnosis and eventually cure of the disease. This year’s theme was “Yes, we can End TB” and JMNMC focused on educating the students on tuberculosis transmission, symptoms and signs, treatments and preventive measures through rallies, role play and quiz competition organized by the Department of Medicine and Microbiology.
Rally, Time – 10.30 am
The program commenced with a rally at 10.30 am, where students of 1st,2nd and 3rd year MBBS students and faculty members participated in large numbers. The rally was held inside the college campus. Participants carried placards and banners displaying important messages about TB prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment adherence. Slogans were raised to educate people and reduce the stigma associated with the disease.
Role Play, Time – 11.30 am
The rally was followed by lamp lighting at 11.30 am by Dr Amita Ray, Dr Aditi Saha, Dr Govindraj Behera and other faculty members. The role play which was prepared by students of 3rd professional MBBS part I students started at 11.40 am. The event was anchored by Ms Ritika Rustagi, Ms Urmee Ghosh, Ms Jasmine Mazumdar and their performance effectively depicted about the history of tuberculosis and eventual evolution of TB diagnosis and treatment regimes for effective elimination of TB. The students demonstrated the symptoms, transmission, treatment and social challenges faced by TB patients. It highlighted the importance of timely medical intervention and community support. The role play was both informative and engaging, receiving appreciation from the audience.
The celebration also included a quiz competition held at 2 pm focussing on case-based questions on tuberculosis. Students from 1st, 2nd and 3rd MBBS batches participated enthusiastically. The quiz covered topics such as diagnosis, treatment protocols, and government initiatives for TB control. It encouraged learning in an interactive manner and helped reinforce important concepts.
Quiz – Preliminary round
The event concluded with an awareness song performed by Mr Deep Biswas titled “TB Harega, Desh Jeetega” and a brief address by faculty members, emphasizing the significance of awareness and collective efforts in eliminating tuberculosis. Participation certificates were handed to the students who performed the role play by Principal madam and faculty members. Trophies and certificates were awarded to the winners of the quiz competition and the session was closed at 4.00 pm.
Winners of Quiz Competition
1st Prize
Team A – Ms Ritika Rustagi, Ms Muskan Purohit, Mr Chahat Agarwal
2nd Prize
Team C – Ms Urmee Ghosh, Mr Debadyuti Bhattacharya, Ms Kristi Maitra
3rd Prize
Team E – Mr Sabuj Kumar Das, Mr Soumajit Paul, Md Munajul Hoque, Mr Arman Ali Sarkar
Overall, the celebration was successful in educating students about tuberculosis while promoting a sense of responsibility towards public health.