Health authorities in Jharkhand have issued a directive to districts reporting fewer cases of presumptive tuberculosis, urging them to significantly increase their screening efforts. The call to action came during a crucial meeting of the state TB forum, which operates under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).
State Leadership Emphasizes Detection for TB Elimination
Chairing the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary of Health, Ajoy Kumar Singh, underscored the vital importance of finding more cases. He stated that improved detection is absolutely essential for the state to meet its targets for eliminating tuberculosis. All government departments have been instructed to carry out systematic checks on vulnerable populations within their areas of responsibility.
A key part of the strategy is the prompt updating of the central health portal. Officials must ensure that all data from screening and diagnostic activities is uploaded without delay to the Nikshay portal, the national digital system for TB management.
Multi-Sectoral Support and Infrastructure Boost
The push for elimination involves multiple government wings. The state's Department of Industries has been tasked with reaching out to private companies under the Nikshay Mitra initiative. This program encourages industries and employers to 'adopt' TB patients, providing them with crucial nutritional and social support during their treatment.
Simultaneously, the state's diagnostic infrastructure is getting a major upgrade. Officials confirmed that a Culture Drug Susceptibility Testing (CDST) laboratory in Dhanbad is now fully functional. This new facility is expected to relieve the testing burden currently handled by the intermediate reference laboratory located in Itki, on the outskirts of Ranchi.
Furthermore, the strengthening of another critical CDST lab at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi has been finished. The inauguration of this upgraded facility is scheduled to take place shortly.
Grassroots Mobilization and Advanced Screening Tools
To ensure a community-level response, Panchayat TB Forums have been established in 18 districts across Jharkhand. These local bodies will play a pivotal role in awareness and monitoring.
Enhancing early detection capabilities, the health department has deployed portable, hand-held X-ray machines in seven districts: Ranchi, Chatra, Latehar, Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Koderma, and Giridih. These devices are instrumental for active case finding in community settings.
In another significant logistical improvement, a collaboration with the Postal Department has begun. This partnership facilitates the collection and transportation of sputum samples for testing. The service, which has already started, is planned to be extended across the entire state by January 15.
