Ensure availability of diagnostics machines for TB across J&K: L-G

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation and progress of Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Mandeep K Bhandari, Principal Secretary to LG; Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary, Health and Medical Education; Baseer Ul Haq Chaudhary, Mission Director, NHM J&K; Deputy Commissioners; heads of medical and health institutions and senior officials.

The L-G reviewed the strategies and actionable plans aimed at accelerating TB case detection, improving treatment outcomes, identifying challenges and ensuring inter-departmental coordination to achieve the national goal of TB elimination.

The Lieutenant Governor called for collaborative efforts towards eliminating tuberculosis. “TB Mukt Jammu Kashmir should be our common goal,” the L-G said.

The L-G desired the use of various forms of media for generating awareness about all the aspects of TB. He also exhorted the Health Department to ensure that its field functionaries work tirelessly for the success of the programme. “This must include close monitoring of all TB patients so that they regularly consume prescribed medicines and do not become drug-resistant,” the L-G stressed.

The L-G asked the Health Department to make all efforts for ensuring the availability of diagnostic machines including CBNAAT and TrueNat across the length and breadth of the UT.

“This will go a long way in increasing the testing of patients and screening of the population with the aim of achieving TB Mukt J&K and TB Mukt Bharat at the earliest,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The L-G asked Deputy Commissioners to broaden the awareness campaigns and take on board religious leaders, healthcare professionals, sportspersons, prominent citizens, self-help groups and social organisations to reduce stigma associated with tuberculosis.

He further directed for mapping of vulnerable populations through screening and testing on priority, enhancing diagnostics, treatment and promoting early diagnosis. People should be encouraged to register themselves as Ni-Kshay Mitras, he added.