Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Inder Jeet today chaired the meeting of District TB Forum to review the implementation of National Tuberculosis Elimination programme (NTEP) here in the conference hall of DC office Poonch.
Welcome address was presented by the Chief Medical Officer Poonch Dr.Shamim-un-Nissa. District Tuberculosis Officer Poonch, Dr. Fehmida Bandey gave a comprehensive brief of the National TB Elimination Programme through Power Point presentation.
The members of the District TB Forum deliberated on the modalities of National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme- a Public Health initiative of the Government of India. It functions as a flagship component of the National Health Mission and provides technical and managerial leadership to anti-tuberculosis activities in the country.
The meeting was informed that TB is a priority disease which has been targeted for elimination from India by 2025 and community led participation is an essential component to achieve the target within stipulated time frame.
A detailed discussion was held on the composition, objectives and working of the Forum. The meeting was also apprised about the achievements made under the program in the district. Varied services being provided by the Government to the masses under the National Tuberculosis Elimination programme were also highlighted at the meeting.
The DDC said that Tuberculosis was a leading infectious disease that impacts lives, economy and the future of a nation and the need of the hour is to work in tandem to ensure the effective and successful implementation of NTEP in the district.
He asked for putting in extraordinary efforts for timely detection and testing of patients for timely elimination of the disease from the district. The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned authorities to constitute village level surveillance teams in this regard.
He further asked the BMOs to ensure proper monitoring of the activities being carried out for the elimination of Tuberculosis in the areas of their jurisdiction. He also directed the concerned to generate massive awareness among the public regarding the programme so that they can come forward to avail the benefits of the various kinds of services being provided under it.
Among others present in the meeting were Medical Superintendent, Dr. Zulafkar Chowdhary; District Tuberculosis Officer, Dr Famida Banday; BMO Mendhar, Dr Parviaz Khan; BMO Mandi, Dr Nussrat Bhatti; Incharge BMO Surankote, Dr.Tariq, Physician DH Poonch, Dr. Balvinder, Dr. Ashan, besides members of the District TB Forum and representatives of various NGOs and societies.