KMC doctors to get training on tackling thyroid disorders

Kolkata: The doctors of the health department of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) will be trained to look after patients affected with thyroid disorder at its own health centres.

The official announcement for the training of its doctors in association with Public Health Foundation of India and Kolkata Diabetes and Endocrine Forum (KDEF) was announced by Member Mayor-In-Council (MMiC) Health Atin Ghosh on Friday.

"We have developed the infrastructure for blood tests to identify thyroid disorders in patients. Now our doctors will also be equipped to take care of thyroid patients after undergoing this training progamme. There is a large section of the population that depend on the health centres of KMC for treatment and we want to cater to them. So, we are arranging this Certificate Course in Management of Thyroid Disorders," Ghosh said.

KMC that is known for the treatment of communicable diseases like dengue, malaria is gradually training its doctors to handle non-communicable diseases too. Doctors of the civic body has already received training in dealing with patients affected with diabetes, CoPD, asthma etc.

It may be mentioned that KMC had signed an MoU with Public Health Foundation in 2013 with the purpose of training its doctors in non -communicable diseases."The percentage of deaths due to non-communicable diseases is much higher in comparison to communicable ones. Hence, we have decided on this training," a senior official of KMC's health department said.

Dr. Tirthankar Chowdhury, President of KDEF said: "The number of people with thyroid problem is ever increasing. Hence, early diagnosis and management of these problems have become a huge challenge for healthcare professionals. We at KDEF will support KMC and PHFI in their efforts to strengthen the capacity of municipal doctors to tackle the widespread menace of thyroid disorders, its screening and management."

Nearly 32 percent of Indians are suffering from various kinds of thyroid disorders including thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism, goiter, thyroiditis and thyroid cancer, says a recent report published on thyroid panel test by a leading global diagnostic chain.

It has revealed that sub-clinical hypothyroidism is the most prevalent form of thyroid disorder across the country.