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JAMMU, Oct 22: Intensifying efforts to accelerate tuberculosis elimination across the Union Territory, Saugat Biswas, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Health & Medical Education (H&ME) Department, J&K has issued a strict 10-day deadline for underperforming districts to bridge performance gaps and execute corrective measures under the PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
A detailed presentation outlining the programme's current status and implementation bottlenecks was delivered by Athar Aamir Ul Shafi Khan, Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), J&K.
The high-level session drew participation from Deputy Commissioners, Government Medical College Principals, senior Health & Medical Education Department officials, divisional Directors of Health Services, Chief Medical Officers, and District Tuberculosis Officers.
Expressing deep concern over lagging indicators in specific districts, Saugat Biswas reaffirmed the administration's firm resolve to attain national TB elimination targets through a collaborative, multi-sectoral framework.
He emphasized grassroots screening, timely diagnostics, patient-centric care, and extensive public mobilization under the Jan Bhagidari initiative.
To optimize technical capacities, officers were directed to maximize the operational utility of X-ray machines, scaling daily testing beyond current benchmarks of 50 tests for mobile units and 20 for fixed facilities where feasible.
Addressing diagnostic hurdles, state officers were instructed to immediately coordinate with supply agencies to resolve shortages of testing chips and cartridges.
Furthermore, authorities mandated that contact tracing and screening of TB patients' families be finalized within 10 days. Officials were also instructed to streamline digital authentication processes to guarantee seamless, timely financial assistance under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY).
To bolster public awareness and dismantle social stigma, the administration called for active grassroots mobilization involving youth-led JOSH teams, religious and community leaders, NCC volunteers, and local NGOs.
Saugat Biswas underscored that daily performance monitoring, rigorous inter departmental coordination, and time-bound accountability remain vital to achieving a tuberculosis-free Jammu and Kashmir.
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