Jammu and Kashmir, January 30: In a major push towards tuberculosis (TB) eradication, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, has directed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) across Jammu and Kashmir to intensify TB detection efforts under the ongoing 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the minister emphasized the need for active case surveillance, especially in districts that have already been declared TB-free, to prevent relapse and ensure sustained elimination. She stressed the importance of community participation and urged health officials to engage with local stakeholders, including panchayats, municipal bodies, and NGOs, to strengthen grassroots efforts in detecting and treating TB cases.
Minister Itoo highlighted that the government is committed to achieving the vision of TB-Free India, in line with the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). She directed officials to ramp up screening, particularly in vulnerable and high-risk groups, and ensure that suspected cases undergo prompt testing and treatment.
Furthermore, she instructed the health department to enhance door-to-door awareness campaigns, leverage mobile health units, and encourage community health workers to actively identify symptomatic individuals. Special attention will be given to remote and tribal areas, where access to healthcare remains a challenge.
The minister also called for periodic review meetings at the district level to monitor progress and ensure real-time data collection on TB cases. She reiterated the government's commitment to providing free-of-cost diagnostic and treatment facilities, including nutritional support under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, to all TB patients.
Health officials have assured full cooperation and pledged to amplify outreach efforts in collaboration with ASHA workers, Anganwadi centers, and local influencers to encourage early reporting of TB symptoms.
The 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign is a crucial step in achieving the target of a TB-free Jammu and Kashmir, aligning with the national goal of eradicating tuberculosis by 2025.
#TBFreeIndia #JammuKashmir
0 Comments