TB Free J&K Should Be Our Common Goal: LG

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- LG Sinha Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation and progress of Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in the UT of Jammu Kashmir.

LG reviewed the strategies and actionable plans aimed at accelerating TB case detection, improving treatment outcomes, identifying challenges, and ensuring inter-departmental coordination to achieve the national goal of TB elimination.

LG called for collaborative efforts towards eliminating tuberculosis.“TB Mukt Jammu Kashmir should be our common goal,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

LG desired the use of various forms of media for generating awareness about all the aspects of TB. He also exhorted the Health Department to ensure that its field functionaries work tirelessly for the success of the programme. This must include close monitoring of all TB patients so that they regularly consume prescribed medicines and do not become drug resistant. Use of IEC in the form of daily SMS and phone calls to the patients for ensuring that they do not miss their daily dose of medicine, was also stressed upon.

LG asked the Health Department to make all efforts to ensure the availability of diagnostic machines including CBNAAT and TrueNat across the length and breadth of the UT.

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“This would go a long way in increasing the testing of patients and screening of the population with the aim of achieving TB Mukt J&K and TB Mukt Bharat at the earliest,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

LG asked Deputy Commissioners to broaden the IEC and awareness campaigns and take onboard the religious leaders, healthcare professionals, sportspersons, prominent citizens, Self-Help Groups and Social organisations to reduce stigma associated with tuberculosis.

He further directed for mapping of vulnerable populations through screening and testing on priority, enhancing Diagnostics, Treatment, and promoting Early Diagnosis. People should be encouraged to register themselves as Ni-Kshay Mitras, he added.

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