Bareilly: District Magistrate Avinash Singh chaired a review meeting of the District-Level TB Task Force and TB Steering Committee at the Collectorate auditorium in Bareilly to assess the progress of tuberculosis control and eradication efforts in the district.
During the meeting, the District Magistrate reviewed the progress of the ongoing TB eradication campaign, including the implementation of the 100-day special drive. He directed officials to ensure timely identification and treatment of TB patients, proper nutritional assistance and effective public awareness activities across the district.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Vishram Singh informed the meeting that the District Magistrate had instructed officials to organise X-ray camps in all high-risk villages identified under the campaign. He also directed authorities to ensure that financial assistance under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana is transferred promptly into the bank accounts of patients undergoing tuberculosis treatment.
District Tuberculosis Officer Dr Intzar Hussain stated that 512 high-risk villages in Bareilly district had been identified by the state authorities. Out of these, screening camps have already been conducted in 229 villages, while the remaining villages will be covered by June 30 through special screening and awareness camps.
Officials informed the meeting that nearly 90 percent of TB patients in adopted villages have been brought under treatment and support systems. However, progress in Bithri Chainpur block was found to be comparatively slow, prompting the District Magistrate to direct officials to intensify efforts in the area.
The meeting was also informed that patients suffering from TB along with HIV, diabetes or other serious illnesses are being prioritised for admission and treatment.
To strengthen diagnosis and treatment, the District Magistrate instructed health officials to increase the use of Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAAT) instead of relying solely on conventional microscopy. He also directed authorities to expand the use of modern diagnostic technologies, ensure effective utilisation of compact X-ray machines and improve the availability of trained X-ray technicians.
Among those present at the meeting were Dr Vishram Singh, Dr Intzar Hussain, representatives from the medical college, and office bearers of the Indian Medical Association and Indian Academy of Pediatrics, along with other healthcare officials.
Reported by Akhilesh Chandra Saxena.
