SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and evaluate measures to achieve a tuberculosis-free Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary of Health & Medical Education (H&ME), Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), Director SKIMS, Principals of Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), Director Coordination (Medical Colleges), Directors of Health Services for Jammu and Kashmir, HoD of Chest Medicine at GMC Srinagar, and senior faculty members from medical colleges across the UT.
Reviewing the current scenario, the Chief Secretary called for intensified screening drives, especially targeting vulnerable populations, to curb TB transmission. He directed rigorous contact tracing and instructed that each doctor adopt at least two TB patients to provide personalized guidance and ensure adherence to treatment. He also emphasized home visits by ASHA workers to extend at-home support and improve recovery rates.
The Chief Secretary interacted with Deputy Commissioners to review the availability and utilization of diagnostic equipment, screening mechanisms, and treatment facilities in their districts, urging them to optimize resources for timely and quality care. He also reviewed compliance with earlier directives from the Lieutenant Governor, stressing strict implementation.
Secretary H&ME, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, provided updates, noting that CBNAAT machines would be deployed in high-need areas and that the central government has allocated 16 handheld X-ray machines for the UT under the Abhiyan, with additional machines being procured under Capex. He assured that all District TB Centres (DTCs) are equipped to meet screening targets and that doctors’ patient adoption and regular ASHA visits are being ensured.
Mission Director NHM, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, reported that around 5.25 lakh individuals were screened in 2024, and 2.59 lakh so far in 2025, with the presumptive testing ratio at 3,692 per lakh in Jammu division and 3,890 per lakh in Kashmir division.
The meeting also highlighted that Rs 2.29 crore has been disbursed to TB patients under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, with 7,891 patients currently undergoing treatment. Of these, 6,618 have been linked to Nikshay Mitras, bringing the total number of Mitras in J&K to 6,728.
Reiterating the UT administration’s commitment to eradicating TB, the Chief Secretary urged coordinated action, active community engagement, and optimal resource utilization to achieve the objectives of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
