Chamba health officials review TB control initiatives

A monthly review meeting of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Chamba, was held on Friday under the chairmanship of District Health Officer Dr Kavita Mahajan. The meeting focused on evaluating ongoing programmes under the National Health Mission (NHM) and reviewing tuberculosis (TB) control initiatives.

Dr Mahajan assessed schemes related to maternal and child health, emphasising the importance of risk care under PMSMA, Ayushman Arogya camps, teleconsultation services,etc.

District Programme Officer Dr Puri discussed points on TB control. He directed monthly risk assessments of TB patients and timely payment of aid under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, which has now been increased from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.

Dr Puri advised providing nutritional support during treatment and emphasised that TB is 100% curable, with drug-resistant cases treatable within six months of proper DOTS medication. He further said since December 7, TB screening camps have been conducted targeting 45 high-risk population groups, including the elderly, diabetics, smokers, individuals with a history of TB treatment, prisoners, orphans, tribal communities, and slum dwellers. Lists of such individuals are available with Community Health Officers (CHOs) and ASHA workers.

Himachal Tribune