Rajeev Verma Launches 100-Day Campaign for Intensified TB Case Finding

The Voice of Chandigarh:

In a significant step towards making Chandigarh TB-free, Rajeev Verma, Advisor to the Administrator, launched a 100-day intensified TB case-finding campaign under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program. The initiative takes a comprehensive approach that includes sensitisation, organising camps, ensuring adherence to treatment, and reducing stigma associated with the disease. Verma emphasized that collaboration among all stakeholders will drive a dedicated campaign across every sector of the Union Territory.

Under this campaign, special efforts will focus on screening vulnerable populations, including individuals over 60 years of age, smokers, diabetics, alcoholics, past TB patients, close contacts of TB patients, malnourished individuals, and those living in congregate settings such as prisons, old age homes, orphanages, and shelters. Stakeholders will work to raise awareness about TB within their communities, assisting the health department in identifying affected individuals for early diagnosis and treatment. Efforts will also focus on reducing stigma to encourage more people to seek timely medical intervention.

Rajeev Verma highlighted that the campaign will involve active participation in camps, workshops, awareness drives, and educational programs in schools and colleges to disseminate information about TB’s causes, symptoms, and treatment facilities. A special emphasis will be placed on dispelling myths and misconceptions about the disease.

Reaffirming his commitment to the campaign, Verma assured comprehensive support from the state for diagnostic services, community engagement, treatment services, and social support for TB patients and their families. He also called for active involvement from medical associations, NGOs, and other health and administrative departments to ensure the program’s success.

As part of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Verma issued a clarion call to the people of Chandigarh to come forward and support TB patients and their families, aiding the government in achieving its target of eliminating TB and creating a healthier, more prosperous future for all.

Prominent dignitaries present during the launch included Ajay Chagti, Secretary Health; Dr. Suman Singh, MD-NHM cum DHS, Chandigarh; Dr. Sushil Mahi, MS; Dr. Paramjit Singh, DMS; Nodal officer NHM Dr Charu Singla, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, State TB Officer; all program officers, all Head of departments and other esteemed officials.