Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve chaired a meeting of the District TB Forum under the National Tuberculosis Eradication Programme on September 8.

District Tuberculosis Officer, Leh, Dr. Diskit Dolma gave an overview of the current tuberculosis situation in Leh and the measures being taken to combat the disease. She discussed the latest advancements in diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of early detection and timely intervention.

She also apprised the Deputy Commissioner about the ‘TB Mukt Panchayat’ and added that the aim is to empower PRIs to realize the extent and magnitude of problems associated with TB and take necessary actions towards addressing these problems, create healthy competition amongst Panchayats to eliminate TB and to publicly appreciate their contribution.

It was informed that there are 191 TB cases registered in the district in 2022 and 107 TB cases notified in 2023 till September 7.

Regarding Nakshay Mitras, she informed that 24 people are providing help to TB patients as Nakshay mitras.

DC, Leh emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling health challenges, particularly tuberculosis. He highlighted the need for a concerted approach to achieve better outcomes in tuberculosis prevention and treatment.

Further, he asked the District TB officer to ensure that all the identified and listed TB patients get proper nutritional support from Nakshay Mitras.

Discussing the stigma attached to TB, Deputy Commissioner Leh emphasized the crucial importance of de-stigmatizing tuberculosis (TB) and directed them to work extensively on creating awareness among the people. He also directed the DTO to start the 'Ayushman Bhav' program on Mission mode to achieve 100% coverage of health schemes.

The meeting was attended by the District Panchayat Officer, Leh; Representative of CMO, Leh; Physician Specialist, SNM, Leh; Health Coordinator SOS Leh; President Women Alliance Leh, State Law Officer, NHM, President, Merchant Association; TB champions and other concerned staff.