Keonjhar: Aiming at elimination of tuberculosis in Keonjhar by 2025, the district administration has formed a district TB Forum and planned to take proactive measures to achieve the target.
Its first meeting was presided over by Collector Ashish Thakre Tuesday.
Significantly, mining-affected areas will be the major focus of anti-tuberculosis measures. Besides, TB patients will be identified on a priority basis in those areas.
Another decision that was taken was that three TrueNat TB test machines and a CBNat van will be purchased with funds from the district mineral development foundation (DMF).
These machines will be set up at TB-prone areas like Barbil, Telkoi and Anandapur.
Staff will be recruited and trained to operate these machines.
Notably, TrueNat is a new molecular test that can diagnose TB in one hour and be used for testing for resistance to the drug rifampicin.
PD(DRDA), Udhab Chandra Majhi, CDMO Dr Ashok Kumar Das, ADMO(TB) Dr Jagdish Prasad Sahu, DPM of NRHM Dillip Dubey, PH consultant Himansu Sahu, DPC(NRTCP) Tapas Jena and members of the newly formed TB Forum.
The Collector reminded the call of the Prime Minister to end TB by 2025. Since 1993, directly observed treatment – short course (DOTS) are being implemented to deal with TB cases.
He said that massive awareness programme will be undertaken to ensure the TB patients get right justice and treatment.
It was learnt that most TB patients do not have bank accounts while monthly Rs 500 assistance for their nutrition food is not provided to them.
The Collector asked the officials concerned to open accounts of the patients.
DPC(NRTCP) Tapas Jena said that a drive will be launched from September 22 to identify TB patients through ACF camp.
As per the CTD guideline, there is a plan to identify 210 TB cases in every 1 lakh population, but in Keonjhar 160 TB patients were identified in every 1 lakh population.
PNN
