Chief Secy expresses concern over TB incidence in Jammu

Taking note of the high incidence of Tuberculosis (TB) and increasing cases of Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) TB in Jammu, J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo termed the situation as a “real cause of concern” and stressed the need for a well-structured strategy to tackle the issue effectively.

Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting to review progress on the ‘TB Mukt campaign’ launched by the health department and emphasised that the success of the campaign should be reflected in a tangible decline in TB cases on the ground.

He sought details regarding the criteria adopted for declaring TB-free panchayats and called for proper documentation of the gains made through the 100 Day TB Elimination Campaign.

During the meeting, he directed the department to conduct an internal audit to assess the resource requirements based on the district wise incidence of the disease. He asked for deploying additional manpower and medical equipment in high-burden districts while optimising resources in low-incidence areas.

To strengthen the fight against TB, Dulloo underscored the importance of enhancing public awareness about its causes, prevention and cure. He called for intensified screening and testing, particularly among the vulnerable populations. He also reviewed the functioning of Intermediary Reference Labs (IRLs) in Jammu and Srinagar, seeking details on their diagnostic capabilities and the role they play in TB detection.

Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Syed Abid Rashid Shah, informed that around 53 lakh awareness messages had been sent to the J&K Bank customers. Additionally, 1,138 screening camps were organised in collaboration with SHGs of JKRLM, covering nearly 6,473 beneficiaries.

Highlighting the achievements of the 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign, it was reported that over 29,000 NAAT tests were conducted, diagnosing 270 new TB cases. A total of 4,817 screening camps were held across the targeted districts and 6,04,701 (93%) vulnerable individuals were tested with 3,06,364 referred for further screening via X-rays.

The meeting was further informed that several innovative awareness initiatives were undertaken, including playing TB awareness audio spots and songs on eight garbage collection vans under JMC, broadcasting awareness messages on 32 traffic signals, engaging 1,654 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under NRLM for spreading awareness, displaying TB awareness messages on 59 LED screens at Jammu Railway Station and conducting 368 screenings and X-rays in congregate settings and 1,234 TB screenings in prisons across J&K.