Himachal best in screening vulnerable population for TB

Continuing its good performance in the TB Mukt Bharat campaign (the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA), Himachal has been placed at the top in screening vulnerable populations under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). A National Health Mission spokesperson said, “As per the latest Government of India report, Himachal has screened 13,35,336 residents out of the total of 13,68,327 vulnerable individuals identified in the state. It translates into 98 per cent screening, and this is the best in the country.”

He further said the state had achieved good results in X-ray testing as well. “A total of 5,00,054 individuals have been screened for TB through X-rays, representing 37 per cent of the total. Notably, 96 per cent of these tests have been conducted on asymptomatic individuals, reflecting the state’s commitment to community-based screening. This figure is also higher than the national average,” he said.

Himachal had performed well in microbiological testing as well, he said, while adding that a total of 2,75,144 individuals were tested, of which 79 per cent were NAAT-based tests, indicating high quality diagnostics.

“The state has also performed well in the distribution of DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) benefits. Of the eligible beneficiaries, 5,208 TB patients received DBT benefits, representing 40 per cent. Additionally, 7,509 TB patients have been provided nutritional support by Nikshay Mitras. This ensures that most patients receive at least one nutrition kit,” he said.

He further said active community participation and the collective efforts of all stakeholders helped the state take big strides towards eliminating TB.