TB elimination programme: Chamba CMO stresses on strengthening screening

The Health and Family Welfare Department, Chamba, organized a special monthly review meeting of the National Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Programme on Tuesday at the office auditorium of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Chamba. The meeting was chaired by Dr Bipen Thakur, Chief Medical Officer, Chamba.

During the meeting, Dr Thakur appreciated efforts of the department to providing benefits to all TB patients in Chamba under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).

He emphasised the government’s target of making Himachal Pradesh TB-free as per prescribed standards. A detailed presentation highlighted ongoing initiatives in the district, including TB-free gram panchayats, SNC surveys, and the Nikshay Mitra scheme.

Dr Thakur also said the ongoing national campaign “Swasthya Nari, Shashakt Parivar”, running from September 17 to October 2, focuses on maternal and child health services. These include the Janani Suraksha Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, antenatal and postnatal care, universal immunisation and family planning services, all provided at Health & Wellness Centres, Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, and Medical Colleges. Screening for TB is also being carried out alongside these services.

The meeting reviewed TB case notifications and other key indicators to improve patient outcomes across the district. Dr Thakur instructed that all patients showing TB symptoms should be referred to health institutions for proper TB testing. Each block has been directed to ensure early detection of TB cases and provide diagnostic facilities at every primary health center.

The meeting was attended by Dr Jalam Singh Bhardwaj, Medical Superintendent, Pandit Jawahar Lal Medical College; Dr Kavita Mahajan, District Health Officer; D. Harit Puri, District Programme Officer; WHO Consultant Dr Niket; Block Medical Officers; and all STS, STLS, counsellors and pharmacy officers from the district.