A meeting was chaired today by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr Basharat Qayoom to review the implementation of National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) at DC Office Complex, here.
Presenting the various steps being taken for elimination of TB in the district, the chair was informed by District Tuberculosis Officer, Dr Syed Faheem Aalam that the program is aimed to decrease mortality and morbidity due to TB and cut transmission of infection.
The DTO said that the district has a 1000 strong force of TB mitras. He said that a two-pronged strategy consisting of awareness regarding the diseases and ensuring necessary follow ups of active patients is being employed to make the district TB free.
He said the patients are being provided nutritional support and medical guidance. Briefing the chair about various programs in place for TB elimination, the DTO said that Har Ghar Dastak, Nikshay Poshan Yojna, PMTPT, PM TB Mukht Bharat Abhiyaan and TB Harega Desh Jeetega are being implemented in the district in letter and spirit.
He said the programs ensure exhaustive measures are in place for catering to active patients and reducing the burden of TB in the population through active community support, coordinated treatment programs, DBT for nutritional needs, Door to Door surveillance and spreading awareness among masses.
Sharing the achievement of DTC in eliminating TB, the chair was informed that 90% of the cases have been notified, 99% are being covered under Nikshay Poshan Yojana, an amount of approx. Rs 10 lacs has been disbursed and treatment success rate has been 90% in the district.
He said that 100% of the patients have been tested for co-morbidities. More than 81% patients have undergone Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing against a target of 70%. Speaking on the occasion, DC said that the district has performed remarkably well towards the elimination of the disease.
He said the district was ranked among the top ones in the country for its efforts towards TB elimination in the list of Sub-National Certification of progress towards TB free status and said that the fight against TB must continue with the same momentum.
He directed the DTO to ensure that continued efforts are made with the same vigour to ensure that the district is free from TB. He said focus must be on spreading awareness among the community regarding the disease, symptoms, health care access points and debunking any myths.
The DTO also briefed the chair regarding IEC camps organised in the district throughout the year in schools, colleges, health institutions, public places etc. Other issues like registration of Nikshay Poshan Mitras and involvement of PRIs for wider dissemination were also discussed during the meeting.
The meeting was attended by CMO Anantnag Dr MY Zagoo, CMO Kulgam Dr Rafiq, BMOs of Anantnag and Kulgam, representatives from WHO, District Nodal Officer, NACP, District Nodal Officer, NTCP, representatives from NGOs, prominent journalists and others were.