The community service team of the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FKKMK) conducted a tuberculosis screening in Bantul to help early detection of tuberculosis.
The screening took place on July 18, 2023, through collaboration with the “Temu Ireng” Program for Tuberculosis Discovery and Investigation.
Besides screening, health cadres from Imogiri 2 Community Health Center in Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, received tuberculosis response training.
The activity, chaired by clinical microbiologist Domas Fitria Widyasari, MD, was carried out in cooperation with the faculty’s Microbiology Department, the Bantul Health Office, Imogiri 2 Community Health Center, Zero TB, and the Yogyakarta branch of PAMKI.
The tuberculosis screening was attended by 130 patients, including contacts of TB patients, children with stunted growth, patients with diabetes, older people, and healthcare workers at risk of contracting tuberculosis. The screening included chest radiography, Mantoux test, and immediate physician consultation.
“This tuberculosis screening involved collecting sputum and urine specimens from suspected patients. These specimens were then examined using the Molecular Rapid Test (TCM) and the lateral flow urine lipoarabinomannan assay (LAM-TB), all performed at the Microbiology Laboratory of FKKMK,” explained the clinical microbiologist.
The health cadres were taught at the Imogiri 2 Community Health Center Hall in Bantul, with speakers from lecturers and students taking specialty training at the Clinical Microbiology of the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing.
The event was attended by 45 cadres, representing 130 health cadres, and was also witnessed by the village heads of Sriharjo, Selopamioro, Karangtengah, and Kebonagung.
The tuberculosis screening and educational activities are concrete evidence of UGM’s efforts to achieve a healthy and prosperous life for all, regardless of age.
The activities were monitored and evaluated by the community service team led by Sutono, from registration, initial screening, patient vital sign examination, and X-rays to collecting sputum and urine specimens.
These activities received positive responses from the community, as seen from the local community’s enthusiasm and the coordination and involvement of many partners in the event.
The monitoring and evaluation team also highlighted the active participation of the Clinical Microbiology lecturers and students in these community service activities.
“We hope this program will continue in the following years to support the success of the Tuberculosis-Free Indonesia program, especially in the Yogyakarta region,” said Domas Fitria Widyasari, MD.
Author: Tuberculosis Community Service Team of FKKMK
Editor: Ika
Photo: Tuberculosis Community Service Team of FKKMK