Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal, who also serves as Chairman of the District Health Society Poonch, today chaired a review meeting to review the progress achieved in the implementation of Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA) in the district.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan presented a brief on the current status, strategies and action plan under implementation to combat TB in the district. The review emphasized a mission-mode approach to achieve the target of a TB-free Poonch.
The DC stressed the need to scale up active TB screenings, especially focusing on the 10 common TB symptoms, and prioritizing vulnerable populations for early identification and treatment. He called for intensified efforts at the Panchayat level, in line with the six key indicators of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).
He also issued strict directions to ensure timely disbursement of benefits under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana to meet the nutritional needs of patients during treatment. Further, he directed for the preparation of comprehensive Panchayat-level action plans, and the launch of a massive IEC campaign, including door-to-door awareness drives and the involvement of religious leaders, healthcare professionals, sportspersons, prominent citizens, self-help groups, and social organizations to reduce stigma associated with TB.
To ensure adherence to treatment, the use of daily SMS alerts and phone calls was encouraged so that patients do not miss their medication doses. The DC also directed enhancement in the distribution of nutritional food baskets under the PMTBMBA in the coming days.
It was ordered that all eligible TB patients must receive the full spectrum of care and support throughout their treatment period. Importantly, District Tuberculosis Officer Poonch, along with Block Medical Officers of Mandi, Mendhar and Surankote were instructed to adopt two TB patients each as Nikshay Mitras to provide nutritional and moral support.
Highlighting inter-departmental cooperation, the DC assured financial support from the Red Cross Society for the nutritional needs of TB patients. He further directed the Chief Medical Officer to deploy Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) village-wise for screening of vulnerable groups.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively and decisively towards the elimination of tuberculosis from District Poonch under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The meeting was attended by ADDC Pankaj Mangotra, CMO, Medical Superintendent District Hospital Poonch, District Tuberculosis Officer, all Sector Medical Officers of PHCs, DACs, BACs, DPMU, BPMU, STS and STLS.