DC Chairs TB Forum Meet at Reasi

Stresses on preemptive testing, enhancing diagnostic capability

REASI, SEPTEMBER 01: District Development Commissioner, Babila Rakwal today chaired a meeting of the District TB Forum. The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ravinder, welcomed the attendees and provided an overview of the implementation of National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NETP) status in the district.

The District TB Officer gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the key performance indicators.

The meeting laid stress on preemptive TB testing, increasing TB notifications through more tests, enhancing diagnostic testing capability in the district, and placing a strong emphasis on drug susceptibility testing for all TB patients. Additionally, emphasis was laid on bi-directional screening of patients with HIV, diabetes, tobacco use, smoking history, as well as individuals visiting counseling centers for de-addiction and workers in hotels, restaurants, and dhabas.

The meeting stressed the involvement of all government employees by becoming “Nikshay mitra” and engaging PRIs and the education department in creating awareness. Towards achieving TB-free villages and panchayats, the DDC urged all stakeholders to formulate an action plan, enlisting cooperation from various sectors.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to make Reasi district TB-free by 2025, aligning with the National plan for a TB-free India, ahead of the global target of 2030.

The meeting was attended by several key individuals, including Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ravinder Singh Manhas, District Health Officer Dr. Ashok Kumar, District TB Officer Dr. Anil Saloch, Senior Physician Dr. Rakesh Raina, DNO Ayush Dr. K.K. Dubey, Drug Inspector Vipin Kachru, representatives from NGOs, and WHO Consultant for NTEP Jammu Division, among others. Two TB Champions were also present at the meeting.