Intensify efforts to make J&K TB free: Saugat Biswas to officials

Jammu, Oct 22: Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department, Saugat Biswas, on Thursday directed officials to intensify efforts towards making Jammu and Kashmir tuberculosis-free.
Chairing a review meeting on the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), Biswas, directed the officials to focus on complete screening targets, strengthen early diagnosis and ensure comprehensive care for patients across the Union Territory.
The Commissioner Secretary called for coordinated efforts at all levels to address operational bottlenecks, improve service delivery and ensure that the benefits of the programme reach every eligible beneficiary.
While reviewing the Union Territory’s performance, Biswas underscored the government’s commitment to achieving the national goal of a TB-free India through a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach involving healthcare institutions, district administrations and local communities.
He noted that sustained efforts in grassroots screening, patient tracking, community participation and administrative monitoring had helped Jammu and Kashmir emerge among the leading regions in the country in terms of population screening coverage and X-ray utilisation.
Emphasising the need to sustain this progress, the Commissioner Secretary directed officials to ensure the timely completion of active case-finding exercises and population screening targets, particularly in vulnerable areas, high-risk villages and other locations where the possibility of undetected TB cases remains a concern.
He stressed that early identification of cases was crucial to interrupting transmission, ensuring timely treatment and preventing further spread of the disease within communities.
Biswas also directed health authorities to make optimum use of available diagnostic infrastructure, including facility-based and handheld X-ray machines, to strengthen the identification of suspected TB cases and improve access to screening services, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
He called for strengthening the Differentiated TB Care framework to ensure that patients receive treatment and support according to their individual clinical risks and needs. The approach, he emphasised, should include appropriate clinical management and nutritional assistance for patients requiring additional care.
The Commissioner Secretary further stressed the need to expand coverage under TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) for all eligible household contacts of TB patients. He directed officials to ensure that eligible individuals are identified, assessed and provided preventive treatment to reduce the risk of developing active tuberculosis.
Highlighting the importance of nutritional support in the recovery of TB patients, Biswas instructed the concerned authorities to expedite financial assistance under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) and address delays in the disbursement of benefits.
He also called for streamlining digital authentication procedures to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive payments without unnecessary delays or procedural difficulties.
Stressing accountability in programme implementation, Biswas urged Principals of Government Medical Colleges, Chief Medical Officers, State and District TB Officers and field coordinators to proactively identify and resolve operational challenges affecting the implementation of the programme.
He also emphasised the need to maintain accurate and reliable data on national portals, stating that proper documentation and monitoring were essential for assessing progress, identifying gaps and ensuring effective delivery of services.
The Commissioner Secretary called for closer coordination with youth-led JOSH teams and community volunteers to increase public awareness, encourage community participation and address the social stigma associated with tuberculosis.
He stressed that eliminating TB required more than medical intervention, with sustained public awareness, early reporting of symptoms, treatment adherence and community support being equally important.
The meeting was also attended by Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Athar Amir Shafi Ul Khan; Deputy Commissioners; Principals of Government Medical Colleges (GMCs); Directors of Health Services, Kashmir and Jammu; Chief Medical Officers; State and District TB Officers; and other senior officials.
During the meeting, the Mission Director, NHM J&K, delivered a detailed presentation on the implementation of the programme, highlighting ongoing initiatives, district-wise performance and the operational framework adopted to accelerate progress towards eliminating tuberculosis. (KNO)