TB-Free India Campaign Launched in Morena, District Administration Mobilized

district,morena | दिनेश सिकरवार

District Administration Launches 'TB-Free India Campaign'

Morena district has launched a comprehensive campaign under the 'TB-Free India Campaign' to achieve the national goal of becoming tuberculosis (TB) free. Under the able leadership of Collector Lokesh Kumar Ramchandra Jangid, the district administration, in collaboration with the health department, is working on various strategies to eradicate this infectious disease.

The primary objective of this initiative is to make the district completely TB-free, aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the active cooperation of public representatives, social workers, and citizens. To ensure the campaign's effectiveness, the district administration has formed a special 'District TB Forum'.

This forum will continuously monitor all activities related to TB eradication and provide necessary guidance. Through this forum, it will be ensured that there are no shortcomings in the TB eradication efforts and the set targets are met in a timely manner.

'Nishay Mitra Yojana' Provides Nutrition and Financial Support to Patients

Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Padmesh Upadhyay stated that TB treatment is completely possible, and patients can achieve full recovery if they take their medicines regularly. He reiterated the resolve of 'TB Harega Desh Jeetega' (TB will lose, the country will win) and said the department's effort is to eliminate the myths and superstitions surrounding TB in society.

District TB Officer Dr. Narendra Upadhyay highlighted a crucial aspect of the campaign: the 'Nishay Mitra Yojana'. Under the guidance of the collector, donors are being encouraged to adopt TB patients through this scheme. These 'Nishay Mitra' (TB champions) provide nutritional support in the form of 'Food Baskets' to TB patients, aiding their health improvement.

Furthermore, every patient found TB positive during screening is being provided financial assistance of one thousand rupees per month directly to their accounts for adequate nutrition throughout the treatment period.

Free Screening and Access to Remote Areas

TB screening is being conducted entirely free of charge at health centers, Community Health Officers (CHOs), and Ayushman Arogya Centers. This ensures that no one is deprived of testing, regardless of their economic status. According to the district program coordinator Brajesh Singh Rajput, counseling facilities have also been made available at approximately 238 Ayushman Arogya Centers.

Modern portable X-ray machines provided by the government are being used for rapid TB screening in remote rural and tribal areas. These machines can be easily transported to locations with limited healthcare access, enabling early detection of the disease.

TB: An Infectious Disease - Prevention and Treatment

TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium 'Mycobacterium tuberculosis'. It primarily affects the lungs but can also infect other parts of the body. It spreads easily from person to person through tiny particles released into the air when someone coughs or sneezes.

Medical experts believe that patients can be completely cured with proper treatment of six to eight months under the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) system. Notably, the risk of spreading TB infection significantly diminishes within about fifteen days of starting treatment.

The district administration has appealed to citizens to cover their mouths with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing in public places. Additionally, never stop treatment midway without a doctor's advice. Spitting in the open is not only harmful to health but also promotes the spread of infection, hence using spittoons is mandatory.

The administration has called upon citizens to contribute to this national campaign by becoming 'Nishay Mitra' to expedite the goal of making Morena TB-free.