A meeting to review the implementation of National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) was today chaired by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Doda, Vishesh Mahajan, here in his office chamber.
Presenting a resume on the activities conducted at the community level, District Tuberculosis Officer, Dr Varsha Sharma said that every required step is being taken to eliminate TB from the district by the end of 2023.
She informed that the measures taken aim to decrease mortality and morbidity due to TB and break the transmission chain of infection along with dissemination of awareness, provision of free medicines and screening of maximum number of symptomatic patients and their contacts to make the district TB free.
She said that a two-pronged strategy including spreading awareness regarding the diseases and ensuring necessary follow-ups of active patients is being employed to make the district TB free. She further 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 Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and TB Harega Desh Jeetega are being implemented in the district in letter and spirit.
DC directed the DTO to start Health Touch Programme in the district, especially in the town areas to screen all the population for TB or TB like symptoms and compile the database of suspected TB patients for the follow up.
It was decided to establish special check posts at block level to test the locals as well as nomads for TB infection. The DC urged the concerned to rope in NGOs, Trusts, and religious bodies for dissemination of awareness and reporting about the suspected cases. He directed for holding special medical camps in Dessa and other far-off areas with focus on detection of TB infection.
He said that the program must ensure extensive measures to cater to active patients and reduce 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.
The DC said that the district has performed remarkably well towards the elimination of the disease and appreciated the health team headed by CMO, Dr Hamid Zargar and DTO, Dr Varsha Sharma for remarkable progress.