SRINAGAR: In order to review the current status of the TB Elimination Programme being implemented in Srinagar, a meeting of the District TB Control Society was held under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar (DC), Mohammad Aijaz Asad, here at the Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex to accelerate the progress towards TB elimination from District.
During the meeting, the DC also took appraisal of the implementation of the Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative launched under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to provide additional patient support to improve treatment outcomes of TB patients.
At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner, who is also the Chairman District TB Control Society was given a detailed appraisal about Public and Private Sector engagement under National TB Elimination Programme in the District through a PowerPoint Presentation.
The DC took a detailed overview of the Programme activities including TB Notification achievement against the set targets for 2023 (Jan-May), TB Cases Notified by DTC Srinagar, Presumptive TB Testing done, Number of Presumptive TB Examined/Enrolled for Diagnosis at PHIs & MC. The DC was also briefed about Screening conducted for Comorbidities and TB Elimination Strategy.
On the occasion, the DC stressed the Officers to further improve the efforts and work in close coordination to achieve the goal of a TB-free Srinagar. He also emphasized on setting quantifiable and measurable presumptive testing targets.
The DC further asked for operating additional centres for TB notifications at suitable Health Institutions in the District.
While reviewing the implementation of the Nikshay Mitra initiative, the DC said this is a part of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan launched with the view to combating the 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 Nikshay Mitras play a pivotal role in filling gaps and addressing social causes by adopting/handholding the TB patients in Srinagar District.
While discussing the operational plan for the effective implementation of the Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative, the DC was informed that in Srinagar District, as many as 184 registered Ni-Kshay Mitras are providing Nutritional support to TB patients.
He was also informed that out of 214 total patients seeking TB care activities in different Medical Zones as many as 64 patients have consented for Community Support.
The DC was further apprised that all CD Panchayats in Srinagar District have become TB-free.
On the occasion, the DC asked the concerned Officers to work in mission mode for such a noble cause and ensure the registration of more Ni-Kshay Mitras in the Srinagar District at the earliest.
During the meeting, it was given out that as many as 17448 Presumptive Examinations for TB detection were conducted from January to May this year by District TB Society Srinagar. A total of 38223 such tests were also conducted during the year 2022. It was also given out that Srinagar is well on the path to becoming TB-free District shortly.
