SRINAGAR: In order to review the implementation of Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative launched under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to provide additional patient support to improve treatment outcomes of TB patients a meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar(DC) Mohammad Aijaz Asad here at Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex.
The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Superintending Engineer R&B Mohammad Nayeem Khan, Chief Planning Officer, Mohammad Yaseen Lone, District TB Officer, Dr Tehjeena, District Health Officer, Dr Anjum, STS HQ DTC, Musadiq Rafiq DPC DTC Muhammad Nayeen, PPMC, Amir Ashraf besides other Zonal and Sectoral Officers.
At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner, who is also the Chairman District TB Control Society was given a detailed appraisal about the implementation of Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative in Srinagar District through a PowerPoint presentation.
While highlighting the objectives of the initiative, the DC said this is a part of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan launched with the view to combat challenges of tuberculosis through multi-sectoral response. He said the Nikshay Mitra initiative has been envisioned to bring together all community stakeholders to support those on TB treatment and accelerate the progress towards TB elimination.
The DC said though the efforts of the Administration are yielding significant results, the community and the corporate sector in the society can play a pivotal role in filling gaps and addressing social causes by adopting/handholding every TB patient in Srinagar District.
During the meeting it was given out that with the latest volunteers the number of registered Ni-KshayMitras shall touch 400 to provide additional support to the TB patients.
The DC stressed on speeding up the pace of registration under Ni-Kshay Mitra initiatives on mass scale and called for active involvement of stakeholders including individuals, Businessmen, NGOs, Private Health Institutions, Elected Public representatives and Serving Government Officers.
While discussing the operational plan for effective implementation of Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative, the DC was informed that in Srinagar District out of total 181 patients in Srinagar seeking TB care activities in different Medical Zones as many as 147 patients have consented for Community Support, while target of 2000 Ni-KshayMitras (patients Donors) have been set in the District.
On the occasion, the DC asked the concerned officers to work in mission mode for such noble cause and ensure registration of more Ni-KshayMitras in Srinagar District at the earliest.
The DC also laid emphasis on mass awareness about the scheme so that desired targets are achieved in a time bound manner.
Moreover, as part of the scheme, there won’t be any cash provided to the patients, rather nutrition kits will be provided on monthly basis will include milk, pulse, wheat flour, rice mustard oils, eggs, ghee and rich source of protein for good nutritional support to TB patients
Pertinent to mention that the Srinagar District is well on the path to become TB free District by March 2023.
