SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 12: As part of nationwide District-Level 100 Days campaign against TB under the National TB Elimination Programme, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat today launched the programme organized by the District Tuberculosis Centre here at DC Office Complex.
The DC also flagged off a ‘Nikshay Van’ which would traverse different parts of the District during the next 100 days to create public awareness regarding the campaign. This ‘Nikshay Van’, equipped with a pre-installed CBNAAT facility, is capable of providing results within two hours. The van proceeded directly to AAM Lachmanpora Batamaloo area of the District for conducting screening, diagnosis and awareness generation.
On the occasion, the DC interacted with the senior Health functionaries and was appraised by District Tuberculosis Officer Srinagar, Dr Abdul Rouf regarding the ongoing campaign preparations and micro-plan. While lauding the dedicated efforts and achievements of the health staff, the DC praised their invaluable contributions and reiterated his unwavering support for the success of the campaign to make Srinagar District TB Free.
The initiative holds significant importance, as Tuberculosis (TB) is not only a critical health issue but also a substantial social and economic problem, particularly impacting the most vulnerable segments of society. TB continues to claim lives, disrupt families, and diminish the productivity of communities.
During the 100-day intensified campaign, Health teams will focus on conducting Active Case Findings by visiting high-risk and vulnerable populations, including, elderly population, malnourished individuals, diabetics, smokers, cancer patients, tribal communities, and other at-risk groups. The goal is to detect TB cases early, raise awareness about TB symptoms, prevention, and treatment, and provide continuous biomedical and psychological support to ensure successful recovery.
The campaign will continue until March 24, 2025. Additionally, community leaders, NGO’s, corporate organizations, counsellors and health workers will be engaged to serve as ambassadors for change.
It is important to note that under National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) District Srinagar is one of the three Capital Cities in India that has shown a 60% (TB Gold) decrease in TB incidence rate (Dehradun, Ranchi and Srinagar) SNC 2022 and has received TB Gold Certification, also significant improvements in detection and recovery rates have been achieved due to better diagnostic and treatment tools.
Despite these advancements, challenges such as TB awareness, asymptomatic persons harboring TB bacilli, stigma and late diagnosis remains. This 100-day campaign is aimed to directly address these issues through the involvement of all stakeholders.