SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Sept 18: In order to achieve the mission of TB elimination in four years, the Dhanbad health department on Saturday started screening of over 16 lakh residents at the block as well as Panchayat level.
While flagging off the campaign, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sandip Singh said that TB (tuberculosis) vulnerable areas of the district have been identified and a team of health department would visit door to door from today for Active Case Finding (ACF) so that mission elimination could be achieved by 2025.
“Under this campaign, the team would cover 16 lakh residents in 11 blocks and 256 Panchayats of the district in search of suspected cases. We would not only get patients treated but also ensure payment of Rs 500 per month announced by the government of India,” said DC Sandip Singh.
The DC has also ordered a micro-level plan and set up a team at block level for informing him about screening achievement reports daily.
District tuberculosis officer (DTO) Dr Zaffarullah Shaikh, on the occasion, said Active Case Finding (ACF) is an ambitious project of the government to achieve zero TB death by 2025. Due to Covid-19, some deficiencies were left in the elimination drive. So we have to plug those deficiencies also, he said.
“Population of Dhanbad is 32 lakh 700 and as per guidelines we have to screen 50% of Population ( 16 lakhs) by November 1. The health department has also appealed to people to voluntarily come forward if any sign of disease shows,” said Dr Zaffarullah Shaikh.
Dr Shaikh said Tundi, Baghmara, Jharia, Topchanchi, Mahuda and Katras have been identified as vulnerable spots of TB in the district. Trained team of Sahiyas would identify patients in the house to house visits.
Civil surgeon Dr Shyamkant Prasad said a special squad has also been set up to cover the house if it is left out during house-to-house visits by the health department team during village visits.
