Identify vulnerable groups, conduct regular testing for early detection of TB: Sakeena Itoo asks DCs

JAMMU : Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Thursday 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 Jammu and Kashmir.
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, either in person or through video conferencing.
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 programs 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.
The Minister urged the officers, particularly both the Directors of health services, to stay vigilant, conduct routine screenings and engage with at-risk populations to detect any undiagnosed cases early.
While reviewing different aspects of 100 days TB Elimination Campaign, Sakeena Itoo called for deployment of mobile testing vans for door-to-door screenings in far off areas for TB testing. “Strengthen diagnostic infrastructure at the grassroots level as it is imperative for maintaining a healthy society”, Sakeena said.
She called for enhanced coordination among the district TB officers, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, local health units, local NGOs and Mohalla Committees to reinforce participation in TB prevention strategies.
The Minister also called for launching comprehensive awareness programs in collaboration with schools, colleges and local self-help groups to educate people on symptoms and preventive measures.
During the meeting, MD NHM gave a detailed presentation on the progress on implementation of 100 days TB Elimination Campaign across Jammu and Kashmir. He informed that the campaign aligns with Union Government’s vision of achieving TB-free India by 2025 by accelerating TB detection, treatment and eradication efforts across country.
The Minister also assessed measures being taken by respective district administrations and health department regarding the fight against drug menace across Jammu and Kashmir. She called upon the Deputy Commissioners for maximum deterrence in coordination with law enforcement agencies so that the society gets rid of this menace, which is destroying future of our youth.
The Minister asked the Deputy Commissioners for formation of squads in collaboration with Colleges and Higher educational institutions to conduct regular surprise inspections in these places. “Elimination of drug menace requires a collaborative approach, involving government agencies, healthcare providers and the general public. We need to work in cohesion in ensuring that our society is free of this menace”, she stated.
She reiterated that the Omar Abdullah led government is committed to safeguard the health and well-being of its citizens. “By addressing both the root causes and consequences of drug abuse, the government aims to foster healthier and more prosperous future for Jammu and Kashmir”, Sakeena maintained.
The Minister further asked all Deputy Commissioners for rehabilitation of drug abuse victims by giving them skill and self-employment training in different courses during their time in drug de-addiction centres so that they can have employment avenues after rehabilitation. She also asked them for augmentation of infrastructure in their respective district so that this menace can be dealt with effectively.