Srinagar: 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 on Thursday 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.
He emphasized that the primary objective of the 100-day initiative is to expedite efforts towards the elimination of tuberculosis, ensuring its reach to every corner of the community, raising awareness about the disease, and guaranteeing access to free and high-quality TB care.
The DC urged all the stakeholders to collaborate in this effort and emphasized the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against TB, striving for TB-free communities.
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.
Chief Planning Officer, Superintending Engineer, R&B Circle North, Superintending Engineer, R&B Circle South, Deputy Registrar Cooperative, Deputy Director Employment Srinagar, Commissioner Development, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, District Tuberculosis Officer, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Assistant Director Fisheries, Block Medical Officer Hazratbal, Zonal Medical Officers of Zadibal, Batamalo, S.R. Gunj and Khanyar, besides other officials of the Health Department were also present at the event.
