Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Thursday said the government will soon launch a toll-free number to reach out to TB patients for counseling and treatment.In addition to the toll-free number, he said the government will use mobile and other telecommunication tools in an innovative manner for the programme."We are working on getting the toll free number launched as soon as possible. Currently, preparations and training is going on at the state-level in this regard," Nadda said. He was speaking at the launch of 'Call to Action for TB free India', an initiative to tackle TB across the country.Nadda said the patients would be able to call on this toll free number for any support and information they seek regarding TB."Even a missed call will suffice. Based on the call received, the ministry team will reach the person who had made the call, check his or her status of TB and ensure the person is covered in the programme to get correct diagnosis, free drugs, treatment and follow-up," he said.
The health minister said one of the biggest challenges faced by the TB control programme is reaching out to the TB patients. He said the issue can be tackled through the toll free services."To achieve the vision of TB free India, the ministry will ensure 90 percent coverage of BCG (vaccine) under the Mission Indradhanush, diagnose all TB cases within two weeks of symptoms and refer to the nearest public health centre and ensure treatment completion," he said.Health Secretary B.P. Sharma said the "Call to Action" would prove to be catalytic in synergizing efforts of various stakeholders towards a common shared goal.