- MLA Surinder Bhagat launches drive from Marh
JAMMU: In a major move towards eliminating tuberculosis in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in conjunction with key stakeholders, launched the 100 Day TB Elimination Campaign.
In this regard, a 100-day TB Elimination Campaign was flagged off from Block Marh Jammu by local MLA Surinder Bhagat under the overall Administration of Administrative Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah and guidance of Director Health Services Jammu Dr. Rakesh Magotra along with CMO Jammu Dr. Harbaksh Singh.
The key officials from the local administration including SDM Athar Amin and officials from Health Department, Dr Harjeet Rai State Nodal Officer NHM, STO Jammu Dr. Jyoti Jolly, CMO Samba Dr. Vidhi Bhatial, DTO Jammu Dr. Amita Turki, BMO Marh Dr. Jyoti Bhau, ZEO Marh Kasturi Lal and officials from Panchayati Raj Department were also present. Similar campaign was launched from District Kathua.
The project, which will be implemented in country’s 347 districts across 33 states and union territories, aims to increase TB case detection, reduce diagnostic delays, and improve treatment outcomes, particularly among high-risk groups. Jammu is one of these 347 districts in Jammu division. The campaign highlights the government's commitment to reaching the end-TB goal by addressing the difficulties of tuberculosis (TB) notification and mortality in the division through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
The 100-day campaign aims to improve programme performance in key output measures such as TB incidence, diagnostic coverage, and mortality rates. It also corresponds with previous policy advancements by the Ministry, such as greater financial aid for tuberculosis patients under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and the addition of household contacts under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
The campaign's primary focus areas are increased access to modern diagnostics, focused screening of vulnerable populations, specialized care for high-risk patients, and greater nutritional support. The project will make use of the large network of Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs across the country, which has extended TB care to the last mile.
The State TB Cell of Jammu Division and the Chief Medical Officer of Jammu jointly expressed their commitment to implement this intense campaign in the districts and identify TB cases from the high risk groups (>60 years, Malnourished, Diabetes, HIV, Smokers, Alcoholic, Past TB cases and Household Contacts) as majority of TB cases are being contributed by these groups along with CMO.
At the end of the Launch, the Block Medical Officer of CHC Marh and the Chief Medical Officer of Jammu expressed sincere gratitude to all dignitaries and public for attending the event. They said that with our dedication and “Jan-bhagidari” the district would be able to lower the TB burden and enhance public health outcomes across the country.
