CS expresses concern over TB incidence in Jammu

JAMMU  : Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, on Monday chaired a high level meeting to review progress on the TB Mukt campaign launched by the Health Department.
Taking notice of high incidence of Tuberculosis (TB) and increasing cases of Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) TB in Jammu, he termed the situation as a “real cause of concern” and stressed the need for a well structured strategy to tackle the issue effectively.
The Chief Secretary emphasized 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, the Chief Secretary 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, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, apprised the meeting of the constitution of expert panel of senior Pulmonologists to study the data available about this disease and analysis of infrastructural or other gaps to be plugged in to effectively deal with this illness.
He also threw light on implementation of the directives issued in previous meetings. He informed that around 53 lakh awareness messages had been sent to J&K Bank customers. Additionally, 1,138 screening camps were organized in collaboration with SHGs of JKRLM, covering nearly 6,473 beneficiaries.
He further revealed that eight handheld X-ray machines are being procured through NHM, and 100 more will be supplied under Capex over the next two years to enhance screening efficiency all across the health institutions of the UT.
It was also informed that IRL Jammu is being fully operationalized after a decade, with an advanced diagnostic equipment such as PCR Thermo cycler, Twincubator and GT Blot being made available soon.
The meeting also discussed clearance of liabilities under the Nikshay Poshan Abhiyan, some of which have been pending since 2018. It was disclosed that thousands of sputum samples were collected from across campaign districts including Jammu, Kathua, Srinagar, and Baramulla, ensuring coverage of a significant portion of the vulnerable population.
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.
The Chief Secretary lauded the efforts of the Health Department while emphasizing the need for continued momentum in TB elimination efforts. He reiterated that sustained awareness, timely diagnosis and effective resource allocation are crucial to achieve the goal of a TB-free Jammu & Kashmir.
The meeting beside Secretary H&ME was attended by MD, NHM; Principals of Medical Colleges, MD, JKMSCL; Director Health, Jammu/ Kashmir; STO, Jammu/ Kashmir besides other concerned officers.