BUNER: The number of tuberculosis patients in Buner was on the decline owing to growing awareness among the masses about the treatment and prevention of the disease, said TB treatment unit district head Dr Mohammad Tahir.

Addressing an orientation session in Daggar Press Club on Thursday, he said that treatment of 750 tuberculosis patients, registered in the district in 2013, was completed.

He said that 455 tuberculosis patients, registered in 2014 in the district, were undergoing direct observed treatment short course (DOTS).

He said that number of tuberculosis cases was on the decline because of awareness among masses.

Dr Tahir said that patients were approaching seven diagnostic and treatment centres at district headquarters hospital Daggar, tehsil headquarters hospital Pacha, health centre Nawagai, health centre Totalai and rural health centres in Jowar, Dewana Baba and Nagri area.

He said that seven more diagnostic and treatment centres were also established at private clinics in the district. Dr Tahir said that orientation sessions were held to create awareness among ulema, journalist, teachers and civil society members.

He said that a tuberculosis patient could live a healthy life after undergoing a six-month treatment course.

CRIME RATE: The arbitration-based resolution of minor issues between rivals has minimised ratio of major crimes in the district, according to District Police Officer Asif Iqbal Mohmand.

He asked the heads of police stations to change their behaviour and attitude towards the visitors, especially the members of peace committees as they played key role in resolution of minor issues among rivals.

Meanwhile, a press release issued from his office said that 10 policemen including a sub inspector were dismissed for not complying with the directives regarding fair dealing.

There was no place for corrupt, lenient, inefficient and bad character personnel in police, the release said. It added that traffic police fined 2,150 drivers including 900 motorcyclists for violation of rules.

The release said that Rs412,700 were collected as fine from the violators. It directed police to step up their efforts to nab anti-state and anti-social elements in the district.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2014