Connect with us

TOP STORIES

Under 100-day TB elimination campaign, health department screens over 70,000, detects six cases | KNO

Published

on

kno news

Srinagar, Jan 22 (KNO): The Health Department in Kashmir has intensified its 100-day Tuberculosis (TB) elimination campaign to screen 2.5 lakh vulnerable persons in Srinagar and Baramulla districts, officials said on Wednesday. Officials informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the campaign, launched on December 7, 2024, under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) by the Health and Medical Education Department of J&K, aims to eradicate TB from these districts. Srinagar, classified in the Gold Category, has seen a 60–80% decline in TB cases, while Baramulla, in the Bronze Category, has observed over a 20% reduction. So far, 70,000 people have been screened, with 60,000 undergoing X-rays and 10,000 tested using NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test). “Six TB cases have been detected and notified, with all patients receiving free treatment, including monthly nutritional support of Rs 1,000 under the PMTBMBA scheme. Nutritional kits are being provided to ensure early recovery,” they said. To facilitate testing and spread awareness, Nikshay Vahan vehicles have been deployed, and IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials distributed. Local leaders, including elected representatives, religious figures and self-help groups under the NRLM, have been actively involved in sensitizing the public about TB symptoms, prevention and treatment. A senior health official told KNO that TB cases in Kashmir have consistently decreased over the years. Since 2018, 21,462 TB cases have been reported, with annual figures showing a steady decline: 2018: 4,774 cases, 2019: 4,080 cases, 2020: 2,840 cases (amid reduced screening during the COVID-19 pandemic), 2022: 3,376 cases, 2023: 2,956 cases. Currently, five districts in Kashmir, including four from south Kashmir and Budgam, have been declared TB-free. Efforts are ongoing to replicate this success in all panchayats in Baramulla, following Srinagar’s earlier milestone of achieving TB-free status, the official said. He said despite progress, challenges such as stigma, delayed diagnosis and treatment dropouts remain. The 100-day campaign aims to address these issues through intensive screening, public awareness, and stakeholder involvement, he added. “While many people delay seeking treatment in the early stages of TB, the disease is fully treatable with timely intervention and proper medication,” the official said, adding that the ultimate goal remains the elimination of TB in Kashmir by 2025 to ensure accessible, free and high-quality TB care for all—(KNO)

Trending

TOP STORIES8 hours ago

One dead, four injured in accident near Nayvug Tunnel at Qazigund | KNO

TOP STORIES10 hours ago

Tourism dept orders closure of Gulmarg for skiing for season 2024-25 | KNO

TOP STORIES13 hours ago

Zojila Pass reopens in record 33 days, Leh-Srinagar National Highway thrown open | KNO

TOP STORIES19 hours ago

No-confidence motion against DDC chairperson Budgam | KNO

TOP STORIES19 hours ago

KATHUA ENCOUNTER : After exchanging fire with terrorists in Panjtirthi forests, security forces launch “search and destroy” operation | KNO

TOP STORIES1 days ago

Amit Shah to visit J&K next week | KNO

TOP STORIES2 days ago

Shawwal moon sighted, Eid in J&K tomorrow: Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam | KNO

TOP STORIES3 days ago

16-yr-old dies after being hit by vehicle in Sempora, Sgr | KNO

TOP STORIES3 days ago

Stop sponsoring terror: Deputy CM advises Pak | KNO

TOP STORIES3 days ago

Amid ongoing anti-terror operation in Kathua, GOC Sachdeva visits Basantgarh | KNO

TOP STORIES3 days ago

CM Omar calls for ending cycle of mourning in J&K | KNO

TOP STORIES3 days ago

No timeframe, but J&K will get statehood back: Amit Shah | KNO

TOP STORIES3 days ago

‘Ramadan 2025 Timeline’ | KNO

TOP STORIES3 days ago

Hustle bustle in markets as shoppers make last-minute purchases ahead of Eid | KNO

TOP STORIES3 days ago

Over 1.33 lakh tourists visit Sonamarg from Jan to Mar 10 this year | KNO

TOP STORIES3 days ago

128 faculty, 268 consultant posts vacant at SKIMS, DHS J&K | KNO

TOP STORIES3 days ago

Neglecting dental care can lead to Periodontitis: Doctors | KNO

Copyright © 2021