The Uttar Pradesh government has embarked on a mission to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) from the state’s gram panchayats as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued a directive to officials to implement Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘TB-Free India’ initiative with a focused approach.
Notably, World Tuberculosis Day is observed on March 24.
The launch of this initiative was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi and will soon be translated into action through collaborative efforts between the district tuberculosis officer and the district panchayat raj officer (DPRO).
Principal Secretary (Health) Partha Sarathi Sen Sharma has issued detailed guidelines to chief medical officers and district tuberculosis officers (DTOs), including the director general of health, aligning with Chief Minister Yogi’s vision for TB-free gram panchayats. The campaign will involve training personnel from the district to the block level, who will subsequently educate village leaders in their respective areas.
Furthermore, close collaboration with the district TB centre will help prepare panchayats to attain TB-free status. The efforts to combat TB will also be integrated into the Panchayat Development Plans (PDP).
Director General of Health Dr Deepa Tyagi emphasised that the public is being educated comprehensively about tuberculosis, covering symptoms, prevention strategies, debunking misconceptions, treatment adherence, screening procedures, and the support provided by the Yogi government to TB patients, along with available treatment resources.
As part of the process, block development officers will submit claims of eligible gram panchayats aspiring for TB-free status at the block level, accompanied by necessary documentation, to the district tuberculosis officer for validation. The district TB team will then provide a list of verified gram panchayats eligible for the ‘TB-free Panchayat’ status to the district magistrate. Subsequently, on World Tuberculosis Day (March 24) each year, the district magistrate will issue a ‘TB-free Panchayat’ certificate with a one-year validity to panchayats meeting the criteria.
The Health department will closely collaborate with the Panchayat department to achieve the goal of TB-free panchayats. Key roles have been assigned to individuals from various positions, including the district tuberculosis officer, medical officer overseeing community and primary health centres, senior treatment supervisor (STS), TB home visitor (TBHV), senior TB lab supervisor, ANM, and ASHA workers.
ASHA workers will maintain records of TB patients, locate affected individuals within the community, assist in investigations, distribute medicines and provide guidance for adherence to treatment. They will also help TB patients register their bank account information to receive monthly support of Rs 500 for proper nutrition during treatment.
ANMs will spread awareness about TB symptoms using posters, conduct screenings and organise outreach programmes. Senior TB lab supervisors will coordinate with health centres for sample examination and provide transportation support.
The senior treatment supervisor and TB home visitor will contribute to active case finding (ACF), conduct home visits for TB patients, and assist in data collection for enrollment and stock registers.
The multi-faceted campaign underscores the Yogi Adityanath government’s commitment to eradicate TB from Uttar Pradesh’s grassroots communities, ensuring a healthier future for its residents.