SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has achieved the second position among States and Union Territories in the national 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Campaign, Phase-II. In response to the performance review, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has directed health authorities to intensify efforts in districts that are lagging in key tuberculosis control indicators, aiming to accelerate progress towards the elimination of the disease.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that during a high-level meeting to review the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Chief Secretary Dulloo assessed the performance of various districts. He instructed the Health and Medical Education Department to bolster screening, preventive treatment, nutritional support, and differentiated care in areas reporting lower coverage rates. The Chief Secretary emphasized the critical need for comprehensive screening in all identified high-risk villages and advocated for the wider deployment of hand-held X-ray units, particularly in remote and vulnerable regions.
Mr. Dulloo directed district administrations and health officials to significantly increase the number of Nikshay Shivirs (health camps) and ensure that all notified high-risk villages are fully covered within the stipulated timelines. He also ordered a special initiative to resolve pending beneficiary authentication cases under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, ensuring that eligible patients receive their financial assistance promptly.
During the review meeting, officials presented data indicating that over 2.45 lakh vulnerable individuals have been screened under the ongoing campaign. Furthermore, 70 percent of the enrolled vulnerable population has undergone X-ray screening, a figure that surpasses the national benchmark. Jammu and Kashmir has also demonstrated strong utilization of NAAT-based molecular diagnostic testing, achieving 90 percent usage for rapid tuberculosis detection.
The meeting was informed that 4,472 tuberculosis cases were notified across the Union Territory in the first five months of the current year, representing approximately 40 percent of the annual target. To date, more than 2.52 lakh presumptive TB tests have been conducted this year, highlighting a robust diagnostic effort.
Further reports indicated that over 2,100 TB patients have received Poshan Kits through community support programs. The number of registered Nikshay Mitras, individuals or organizations supporting TB patients, has now exceeded 13,100. Additionally, approximately 1,504 TB patients have been assessed under the Differentiated TB Care initiative, which provides personalized treatment and support plans.
A notable improvement was also observed in TB Preventive Treatment coverage, which saw a substantial increase from 7 percent during Phase-I to 34 percent in Phase-II. This rise signifies enhanced protection for household contacts and other identified high-risk groups.
Chief Secretary Dulloo underscored the importance of leveraging digital platforms, including the recently introduced TB Mukt Bharat App and the Khushi Chatbot. He directed doctors and field staff to ensure that every notified TB patient is registered and actively uses these tools to improve treatment adherence and facilitate effective counselling.
Commissioner Secretary of the Health and Medical Education Department, M Raju, provided a comprehensive overview of the program’s achievements and existing challenges. Mission Director of the National Health Mission, Akriti Sagar, highlighted the Union Territory’s strong performance across various indicators, including screening, diagnosis, notification, and community participation.
Emphasizing the need for a unified government and societal approach, the Chief Secretary urged all departments, district administrations, civil society organizations, and volunteers to actively contribute towards achieving a tuberculosis-free Jammu and Kashmir.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
