DC Poonch reviews implementation of National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme

Calls for encouraging community involvement to promote Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

POONCH, August 25: Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Yasin M. Choudhary today chaired a meeting here in the Conference hall of DC office to review implementation of National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) and the functioning of TB-Comorbidity Coordination Committee (DTCC).

Listing the steps being taken for elimination of TB in the district, the District Tuberculosis Officer informed the meeting that the program is aimed to decrease mortality and morbidity due to TB and cut transmission of infection.

The DC took a detailed overview of the Programme activities including achievement against the set targets for 2023, TB Cases Notified by DTC Poonch, Presumptive TB Testing done, Number of Presumptive TB Examined/Enrolled for Diagnosis. The DC was also briefed about Screening conducted for Comorbidities and TB Elimination Strategy.

Stressing the need for increasing TB testing through microscopic and molecular tests, he also highlighted the importance of active community involvement in the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan- urging support for TB patients through nutritional assistance. He said focus must be on spreading awareness among the community regarding the disease, symptoms, health care access points and debunking any myths.

The Block Medical Officers were asked to set up screening posts at funnel points in the pathways of migratory population,  impart training to the healthcare workers assigned to work in these health posts on sputum collection and transportation to the nearest TB diagnostic laboratory.

The DC further emphasized that the program must ensure extensive measures to cater to active patients and reduce the burden of TB in the population through active community support, coordinated treatment programs, DBT for nutritional needs, Door to Door surveillance and spreading awareness among masses.

The meeting asked DTO Poonch to hold meeting with chemists dispensing ATT in private sector in presence of Zonal Licensing Authority and Drug inspector to hold   awareness activities in all Blocks town areas to encourage the civil society members, traders – Beopar mandals, etc. to become Ni-kshay mitras and adopt TB patients of the district. The collection will be used to make Nutritional baskets and hand over these to TB patients on Ni-kshay Divas in District hospital and respective blocks

 The meeting was attended by the CMO Poonch, Dr. Anis Altaf Nabi, Deputy CMO, Dr. Parvez Ahmed Khan, District TB Officer, Dr. Fahmida Banday, BMOs of all the Blocks, District Program Officers of all line departments, Dr Balwinder Singh, Physician consultant in District Hospital Poonch, NTEP staff, TB champions and Dr. Ishfaq Nazir Butt WHO Consultant.