TB incidence decreased by over 50% in 2018

Srinagar, Jan 9: Directorate of Health Services Kashmir Wednesday claimed that valley witnessed a drastic decrease in incidence of Tuberculosis in 2018.
As per the official figures, 10,322 Tuberculosis cases were reported in Kashmir in 2017. The patients were detected, notified, and accordingly treatment.
In 2018, however, there was a sharp decline in the incidence of the disease as only 4,774 cases were reported in the valley, Dr Rehaan Kousar, state Tuberculosis officer told The Kashmir Monitor.
The Director Health Service Kashmir (DHSK), as per her, has taken several measures over the years to develop infrastructure and employ trained manpower for the early detection and effective treatment of the disease.
The government of India in collaboration with the Center for Health Research Wednesday launched The Joint Effort for Elimination of Tuberculosis (JEET) programme in the state, under which the private sector will be engaged to intensify TB cases notifications and ensure quality treatment.
On the sidelines of the launch, Dr Bharati Kalottee, National Lead, JEET project told The Kashmir Monitor that 50-60% cases of Tuberculosis are treated in private sector and as such go unreported.
She said that JEET has officially started in August last year and the survey will be completed by March.
“We will collect all the basic data and information on the disease in Srinagar district till March,” Bharati added.
Dr Pervaiz Ahmad, Chairperson Special Task Force, said that Kashmir has reportedly witnessed low number of TB cases when compared to the other states of India.
“By joining hands with the Private sector, I am sure that there is a possibility of, if not TB free Kashmir, a TB free Srinagar and we will come 20 steps towards the ultimate goal of having a TB free country,” he said.
Deputy Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Fayaz Pirzada encouraged the private sector to come forward and help to notify TB cases in the valley.
He said that private sector should join hands with the Revised National TB Control Programme to get benefits from government like Nikshay Poshan Yojna through which Rs 500 monthly will be given for nutritional support to TB patients till the completion of the treatment.