SRINAGAR: In order to assess ongoing Tuberculosis control efforts and to acknowledge the significant strides made towards TB elimination at the grassroots level, a comprehensive review meeting on National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) cum felicitation ceremony recognizing the achievements under the TB Free Panchayat initiative for the year 2024, was held under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat at the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex, here.

Speaking on the occasion, DC acknowledged the commendable efforts of the Health Department and other stakeholders, appreciating the dedication shown by the teams at various levels.

Dr Bilal also sought a renewed commitment from all participants to sustain and accelerate the momentum towards TB elimination, ensuring continued collaboration and support at all levels of governance and healthcare delivery in Srinagar District.

DC further underscored that the achievement reflects the collaborative efforts of the District administration, Health, Panchayat level staff and community health workers in combating Tuberculosis at the grassroots level.

On the occasion, a detailed and insightful presentation outlining the district's achievements and ongoing initiatives under NTEP was given by the District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO), Dr. Abdul Rouf. He informed the chair that all 21 Panchayats within Srinagar District have successfully attained the status of TB Free Panchayat under the Silver category for two consecutive years, marking a significant public health milestone.

Furthermore, the chair was apprised of the current diagnostic infrastructure and emphasized the critical need to strengthen it further. The demand was specifically requested to consider the provision of additional NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) machines to the district to enhance the rate of upfront NAAT testing, enabling faster and more accurate TB diagnosis, which in turn would facilitate the initiation of timely treatment and contribute to the broader goal of TB elimination.

Later during the meeting, DC felicitated the senior Health functionaries, Block Development Officers, Zonal Medical Officers and other health workers for achieving TB-free Panchayats status under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).

The event was attended by Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar; State TB Officer Kashmir, Dr. Adhfar Yasien; Assistant Director, TB DHS Kashmir, Dr. Saba Wani; Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tahir Sajad; District Tuberculosis Officer, Dr Abdul Rouf; ZMOs of Batamaloo and Zadibal, Block Development Officers of Khonmoh, Harwan, Srinagar and Qamarwari blocks, Member IAPSM, Medical Officers of DTC, representative from BMO Hazratbal along with other health staff from NTEP Srinagar.