TB patients in NCD seeking treatment at the St Therese TB Clinic will not have to worry about their supply of medicines as the clinic is stocked up on medical drugs. St Therese TB Clinic Officer in Charge Mr. Delvin Robin told PNG HAUSBUNG that they have stocked up on drugs and are not experiencing a shortage at this time. All 228 of their registered patients at the clinic have their own TB Kits. “We already have our drugs from the shipment that was cleared already and is at the Area Medical Store and are waiting for distribution.” “For St Therese Clinic, we have enough drugs to supply it to our patients as per their review dates.” Mr. Robin stated that of their 228 registered patients, the number of new patients accumulates from three (3) to four (4) patients a day. “Like any other clinic, we do the full checkups and collect sputum’s and we send them for X-Ray.” “We also do other test and send them and wait for the results.” “But in doing that, we also put the patients on antibiotics because we don’t have the evidence yet and to help suppress the illness.” With NCD having some of the highest rates of TB in the country, Mr. Robin is encouraging everyone, especially in communities to work collaboratively. “For those who have TB, you must be on treatment, and the community should be the watchful person.” He said, as clinicians they do not always have the time to be watchful of people. One must know their status, seek medical treatment and practice health safety measures to prevent the spread of the bacteria that spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit. He further stated that, when people don’t take their medication for up to a month, the bacteria grow and becomes resistant. “The dangers is that the patient develops resistant TB. It is still curable, but the treatment is very high, sensitive and has high side-effects.” “But as clinicians, we don’t want our patients to reach that stage so we always balance (or ration) our supply.” Mr. Robin is making a call for everyone to do more awareness or conversations with peers is one way of spreading the word to help stop the spread of TB. Some of the common symptoms include: 1. A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks – you may cough up mucus (phlegm) or mucus with blood in it. 2. Feeling tired or exhausted. 3. A high temperature or night sweats. 4. Loss of appetite. 5. Weight loss. 6. Feeling generally unwell “Once you see this type of signs, send the patient to a clinician or clinic to get checked and be on treatment.” “I think this type of awareness is good that we do it for free.” “Like through the media to help our country bring zero TB down.”