HAMDARD INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES AND RESEARCH, NEW DELHI
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE
Continuing Medical Education (CME) on Programmatic Management under NTEP report
The Department of Community Medicine, HIMSR, in collaboration with IAPSM Delhi Chapter & Delhi State TB cell organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) cum updates on Programmatic Management of Tuberculosis under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) for its faculty and residents on October 1, 2024. The event was attended by more than 125 participants comprising faculty and residents from various departments of HIMSR. The CME provided a comprehensive overview of the NTEP and its strategies for diagnosing and treating various forms of TB.
The individual sessions were designed to provide updates on current diagnostic frameworks, treatments, and management guidelines, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes. These concise sessions ensured that participants acquired the essential knowledge required for TB management. In addition to theoretical instruction, the CME featured case discussions to reinforce participants’ understanding.
A brief overview of each session is as follows:
Inaugural Ceremony The CME began at 2:00 PM on October 1st with a brief introduction and formal welcome by Dr. Asma, Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, HIMSR, who compared the event. The CME was marked by a welcome address from Prof. (Dr.) Farzana Islam, Head, Department of Community Medicine, HIMSR. In her address, she greeted the attendees warmly, introduced the speakers to the participants, and highlighted the significant journey from the National TB Program to RNTCP and now NTEP, emphasizing the need to follow current guidelines. This was followed by opening remarks from Prof. (Dr.) Musharraf Husain, Medical Superintendent, HIMSR. He stressed the importance of all faculty and residents following the NTEP mandates, particularly regarding TB notification, patient management, and diagnosis.
HIMSR’s Contribution to TB Elimination
One of the exciting sessions of the CME was a highlight of HIMSR’s contribution to TB Elimination. Dr. Yasir Alvi, Assistant Professor and Nodal Officer NTEP, HIMSR, discussed the institute’s journey in TB care. He informed the participants that HIMSR provides all levels of care, from diagnostics and management to treatment for both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB patients. He encouraged the faculty to utilize these services and contribute further to TB elimination.
Scientific Sessions by External Experts
The session was chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Anwar Habib, Professor & HOD, Department of Medicine, who skillfully guided the discussions and ensured that all participants had an opportunity to contribute.
Key Presentations
- NTEP Overview & Diagnosis of DSTB and DRTB under NTEP: Dr. Kamal Chopra, Senior Consultant and Ex-Director, New Delhi TB Centre
- Treatment of Pulmonary TB under NTEP (DSTB & DRTB): Dr. Tanmaya Talukdar, Director Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital
- Treatment of Pediatrics & EPTB: Dr. Umesh Kumar, District TB Officer, Nehru Nagar, Delhi
Discussion and Key Takeaways The discussion session followed the presentations, provided an opportunity for participants to raise questions related to NTEP implementation and share their experiences on TB management. Key takeaways from the discussion included:
- The importance of strengthening NTEP implementation at all levels to achieve TB elimination.
- The need for improved utlization to diagnostic facilities, especially for Drug Resistant TB and Extra Pulmonary TB.
- The need for continued training and capacity building of healthcare providers on NTEP guidelines and best practices.
Distinguished Guests Dr. Ashwani Khanna, Consultant State TB Cell (STC), Delhi, Dr. Neeti Babbar, Assistant Program Officer, (STC) Delhi, and Dr. Praveen Kumar, WHO Consultant, NTEP, graced the occasion with their presence. Their insightful remarks and encouragement further enriched the learning experience for the participants. The Medical Superintendent, Dr. Musharraf Husain, also added to the session with his valuable contributions.
The CME program was a valuable learning experience for HIMSR’s faculty and residents. It provided a comprehensive overview of NTEP and its strategies for TB management and facilitated discussions on key challenges and opportunities. The program contributed to enhancing the knowledge and skills of HIMSR’s faculty and residents in TB care, which will ultimately help improve patient outcomes and contribute to TB elimination efforts. The CME ended with the Vote of thanks by Dr Richa Gautam.
