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Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Statewide TB awareness drive from June 1
Bhopal: A state-wide Intensive TB Free India Campaign will begin on June 1, with Bhopal among the key districts where health workers will reach out to vulnerable populations at transport hubs, health centres and industrial sites, officials said on Saturday. Dr Prabhakar Tiwari, Chief Medical and Health Officer of Bhopal, announced that camps would operate at transport hubs, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, health centres, factories, construction sites, and industrial areas to ensure comprehensive coverage of working-class communities. The initiative focuses on screening, investigating, and treating high-risk patients, following the previous 100-day Nikshay camps held in 23 priority districts from December 7 to March 25, 2025. The campaign specifically addresses diabetics, the malnourished, smokers, alcohol users, former TB patients, contacts and HIV-positive individuals, utilising NAAT and X-ray for diagnosis. The campaign involves collaboration with local bodies, self-help groups, and various health committees. It aims to identify new Nikshay Mitras and TB Champions, whilst conducting awareness programmes through religious leaders, cultural activities, and school events. The initiative includes "Ni-Kshay Saptah" activities across government departments.
India Gazette
5 days ago
- Health
- India Gazette
JP Nadda chairs high-level meet with 8 States/UTs to review progress made on TB
New Delhi [India], May 29 (ANI): Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, held a high-level meeting with Health Ministers of 8 States and Union Territories to review the progress made on TB and Measles-Rubella elimination and utilisation of funds under PM-ABHIM (Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission) and 15th Finance Commission, according to an official statement. Union Minister Nadda complimented states for their enthusiastic participation during the 100-day Intensified TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan where, according to the statement, 12.97 crore people were screened for TB, with over 7.19 lakh TB patients notified across India, including 2.85 lakh patients who were asymptomatic, with the campaign beind extended to all districts across the country. He took cognisance on key metrics like presumptive TB case examination, NAAT coverage, treatment success and uptake of nutrition support schemes for TB patients, and urged state health ministers to review these key metrics on a regular basis. The statement further read that under the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, states are playing a proactive role in screening vulnerable populations for TB, irrespective of whether they present symptoms, using portable chest x-ray machines and patients who are TB-suggestive are tested using a NAAT test (Nucleic acid amplification test). Nadda called for greater Jan Bhagidari to bring about impactful and lasting change in the fight against TB. He urged states/UTs to integrally involve elected representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions, Municipal Corporations etc in the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. He emphasized the urgent need to reduce both the incidence and mortality rates of TB through early and comprehensive screening. 'The national goal is to bring down the TB incidence rate to 47 cases per lakh population and the mortality rate to below 3 per lakh population,' Nadda said according to the statement. To achieve these targets, the Minister called on states to re-strategize their TB campaigns, placing a sharper focus on vulnerable and high-risk communities. He also stressed the importance of expanding access to rapid diagnostic tools, particularly NAAT testing. In addition, states were encouraged to promote greater uptake of flagship nutritional support initiatives for TB patients and their families, such as the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative. The Union Minister noted that the participation and benefits under these schemes remain suboptimal in several regions and must be significantly improved to ensure holistic care and support for those affected. Nadda commended states on their efforts towards completely eliminating measles-rubella. However, since some districts in many states are still yet to be free of measles-rubella, he underlined the importance of enhancing immunisation to achieve the goal of elimination of measles-rubella. Putting the focus on health infrastructure, Nadda highlighted that health infrastructure under the PM-ABHIM and 15th Finance Commission needs to be implemented under war footing to ensure that the funds that have been commissioned are spent efficiently as only one year is left for their utilisation. The statement mentioned that the states represented their efforts and achievements in the programmes that were discussed. They also shared their best practices. Health Ministers of various states who joined the meeting included N Rangasamy, Puducherry Chief Minister; Brajesh Mishra, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister; Dhani Ram Shandil, Himachal Pradesh Health Minister; Biyuram Wahge, Arunachal Pradesh Health Minister; Vishwajit Pratapsingh Rane, Goa Health Minister; Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Rajasthan Health Minister; Balbir Singh, Punjab Health Minister, and Irfan Ansari, Jharkhand Health Minister. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary and senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were also present at the meeting. (ANI)
Hans India
27-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Top priority to make Kurnool TB-free district: Collector
Kurnool: District Collector P Ranjith Basha on Monday directed officials to effectively implement the 'TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' campaign and work towards making Kurnool a tuberculosis (TB)-free district. The Collector unveiled the campaign posters of 'TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' at the Sunayana Auditorium in the Collectorate. Addressing the gathering, the Collector announced that the campaign will formally commence on June 2. As part of the Intensified TB Screening initiative, individuals belonging to high-risk groups across the district will be identified and screened. Those exhibiting symptoms will be subjected to NAAT or X-ray testing. If TB is diagnosed, prompt medical treatment will be initiated, he stated. He elaborated that the high-risk population has been classified into seven categories: people above 60 years of age, those with diabetes, hypertension, cancer, individuals who had undergone TB treatment in the past five years, smokers, alcohol consumers, mine and factory workers, prisoners, the homeless, and residents of orphanages and shelters. All these groups will be screened for ten common TB symptoms. The Collector also emphasized the importance of community involvement through the Nikshay Mitra and Jan-Bhagidari initiatives, appealing to district and mandal-level officials, industrialists, NGOs, corporate bodies, elected representatives, and other willing individuals to register as Nikshay Mitras. These volunteers are expected to provide nutritional support and moral assistance to TB patients, thereby aiding the goal of eradicating TB from society. He stressed the need to organise TB awareness sessions through local leaders, self-help groups, health committees, and urban/rural institutions to foster widespread community awareness. Further, he urged active participation from departments such as Panchayati Raj, PD-DRDA, and PD-MEPMA in the national priority initiative and called for coordinated implementation of the campaign. District Leprosy, AIDS, and TB Officer Dr L Bhaskar, District Medical and Health Officer Dr Shanti Kala, District Malaria Officer Nookaraju, DNMO Dr G Mallikarjuna Reddy, and several TB support staff attended the meeting.
New Indian Express
14-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Government remains committed to realising the vision of TB-free India: PM Modi
In the meeting, he reviewed the recently concluded 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, covering high-focus districts where 12.97 crore vulnerable individuals were screened; 7.19 lakh TB cases detected, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic TB cases. Over one lakh new Ni-kshay Mitras joined the effort during the campaign, which has been a model for Jan Bhagidari that can be accelerated and scaled across the country to drive a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. In the meeting, which was attended by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Principal Secretary to PM Dr. PK Mishra, Principal Secretary-2 to PM Shaktikanta Das, Adviser to PM Amit Khare, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava and other senior officials, Modi stressed the need to analyse the trends of TB patients based on urban or rural areas and also based on their occupations. 'This will help identify groups that need early testing and treatment, especially workers in construction, mining, textile mills, and similar fields,' according to a statement issued by the Union Health Ministry. 'As technology in healthcare improves, Nikshay Mitras (supporters of TB patients) should be encouraged to use technology to connect with TB patients. They can help patients understand the disease and its treatment using interactive and easy-to-use technology,' the statement said. The Prime Minister said that since TB is now curable with regular treatment, there should be less fear and more awareness among the public. He highlighted the importance of cleanliness through Jan Bhagidari as a key step in eliminating TB. He urged efforts to personally reach out to each patient to ensure they get proper treatment. During the meeting, Prime Minister noted the encouraging findings of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global TB Report 2024, which affirmed an 18% reduction in TB incidence (from 237 to 195 per lakh population between 2015 and 2023), which is double the global pace; 21% decline in TB mortality (from 28 to 22 per lakh population) and 85% treatment coverage, reflecting the programme's growing reach and effectiveness. He also reviewed key infrastructure enhancements, including expansion of the TB diagnostic network to 8,540 NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing) labs and 87 culture and drug susceptibility labs; over 26,700 X-ray units, including 500 AI-enabled handheld X-ray devices, with another 1,000 in the pipeline. 'The decentralisation of all TB services including free screening, diagnosis, treatment and nutrition support at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs was also highlighted,' the statement said. Prime Minister was apprised of introduction of several new initiatives such as AI driven hand-held X-rays for screening, shorter treatment regimen for drug resistant TB, newer indigenous molecular diagnostics, nutrition interventions and screening and early detection in congregate settings like mines, tea garden, construction sites, urban slums, etc. including nutrition initiatives; Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana DBT payments to 1.28 crore TB patients since 2018 and enhancement of the incentive to Rs. 1,000 in 2024. Under the Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative, 29.4 lakh food baskets have been distributed by 2.55 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras, the ministry said.
The Hindu
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
PM Modi calls for targeted interventions in TB elimination efforts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (May 13, 2025) underscored the importance of targeted interventions and technology-led outreach in the fight against tuberculosis, while chairing a high-level review meeting on the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) at his official residence. The Prime Minister emphasised the need to analyse TB patient data based on urban-rural distinctions and occupational categories. 'This will help identify vulnerable groups requiring early testing and treatment, especially workers in construction, mining, textile and other high-risk sectors,' Mr. Modi observed. Highlighting the curability of TB with regular treatment, the Prime Minister said the public must be made more aware, with less fear and more support. He called upon Nikshay Mitra —volunteers who support TB patients, to leverage digital platforms and interactive technologies to engage with patients effectively. He reiterated the role of public participation (Jan Bhagidari) and cleanliness in the elimination strategy, and stressed the importance of ensuring that each patient receives uninterrupted treatment. During the meeting, the Prime Minister reviewed encouraging data from the World Health Organization's Global TB Report 2024, which notes an 18% reduction in TB incidence in India - from 237 to 195 per lakh population between 2015 and 2023 - double the global pace. TB mortality in India fell by 21%, and treatment coverage rose to 85%. Officials also presented updates on key infrastructure enhancements under NTEP, including the expansion of the TB diagnostic network to 8,540 NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing) laboratories and 87 culture and drug susceptibility testing labs. The current diagnostic infrastructure includes over 26,700 X-ray units, with 500 AI-enabled handheld devices already deployed and an additional 1,000 in the pipeline. The decentralisation of TB services - free screening, diagnosis, treatment, and nutritional support - through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs was highlighted as a cornerstone of the programme's outreach. New initiatives introduced in recent months include shorter drug regimens for drug-resistant TB, indigenous molecular diagnostics, nutrition interventions, and screening in high-risk congregate settings such as mines, construction sites, urban slums and tea gardens. Since 2018, the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana has facilitated Direct Benefit Transfer payments to 1.28 crore TB patients, with the incentive amount raised to ₹1,000 in 2024. Under the Nikshay Mitra initiative, 2.55 lakh volunteers have distributed 29.4 lakh nutrition baskets to patients. The Prime Minister called for scaling up successful strategies nationwide and reaffirmed India's commitment to eliminating TB. The meeting also reviewed the 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which screened 12.97 crore individuals in high-focus districts, resulting in the detection of 7.19 lakh TB cases - including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic patients. Over 1 lakh new Nikshay Mitra joined the effort during the campaign. Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. P.K. Mishra, and other senior officials were present at the meeting.
