Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government is consistently working to make the state tuberculosis-free. In this sequence, as part of the ‘National Tuberculosis Elimination Program’, the Yogi government will launch the Active Tuberculosis Patient Search Campaign from November 23 to December 5 across the state, to look for TB patients from door to door.
A plan for door-to-door screening has been prepared, focusing on 20% of urban, rural settlements, and high-risk areas in each district in this regard. After screening, potential patients will undergo necessary tests, including examination of sputum and other essential diagnostics. Immediate treatment will be initiated upon confirmation of a positive diagnosis.
Investigation will be done from schools to markets
Dr Pinky Joval, the Mission Director of the National Health Mission-Uttar Pradesh, has issued a letter to all district magistrates in the state providing necessary guidelines in this regard. The campaign includes orphanages, old age homes, women’s shelters, child protection homes, madrasas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, prisons, and designated places such as vegetable markets, fruit markets, labor markets, construction projects, brick kilns, stone crushers, mines, weekly markets, etc.
Expanding the scope of testing for TB and initiating prompt treatment is crucial to eliminate TB. Patients confirmed with TB will undergo tests for blood sugar and HIV, and their details will be updated on the Ni-kshay portal. The TB patients will receive Rs. 500 per month for proper nutrition during treatment.
Dr. Shailendra Bhatnagar, the Joint Director (TB)/State TB Control Program Officer, said that if somebody has been experiencing a cough for more than two weeks, accompanied by persistent fever, weight loss, and loss of appetite, it is essential for the person to undergo a TB test. The testing is done free of cost in government hospitals.
“If TB is confirmed, there is no need to panic because it can be completely cured. Follow the doctor’s advice and take the medication regularly. The medication for TB can be obtained for free from TB hospitals, DOT centres, or local ASHA workers. It is crucial not to disrupt the course of medication, as TB can become severe in such cases, leading to prolonged treatment”, he added.
He further emphasized that the Active Tuberculosis Patient Search Campaign, which is currently underway, will also seek complete cooperation from the representatives of panchayats. Gram Pradhans in TB-free panchayats are already prepared to play an active role in this direction.
