Conduct regular testing for early detection of TB, Minister tells DCs
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today asked the Deputy Commissioners to identify vulnerable groups in their respective districts and conduct regular testing at these places for early detection of Tuberculosis (TB).
The Minister passed on these directions while chairing a high-level meeting held to review progress on implementation of 100-Day Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Campaign across J&K.
Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Mission Director, National Health Mission; Deputy Commissioners of all districts; Director Finance, Health and Medical Education; Director Health Services Jammu/Kashmir; Director Coordination New Medical Colleges; Principals of all government medical colleges; CMOs of all districts and other concerned officers also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the Minister impressed upon the concerned Deputy Commissioners and respective CMOs to intensify testing and early detection activities, particularly in Gold Zone districts so that they also can achieve the status of TB free districts. She also instructed the health officials and district administrators to increase the frequency of screenings, conduct aggressive outreach programmes and enhance community participation to curb spread of the disease effectively. “Involve PRIs, ULBs and local religious preachers into the campaign as they have maximum reach to far off areas as well”, Sakeena said.
The Minister further called for identifying vulnerable groups in all districts, whether TB free or not. She also called for regular screening in TB free declared districts so that the TB is not relapsing there. “Continuous testing and active surveillance are essential to prevent re-emergence and ensure the long-term success of elimination efforts,” she maintained.
