New Delhi, July 1: Health Minister J.P. Nadda chaired a review meeting on the TB-Free India Campaign and the 100-day initiative alongside the Delhi government on Wednesday. He emphasized that significant efforts have been made under the TB-Free India Campaign, but the remaining gap between efforts and results can only be bridged through public participation.
The minister stated that TB elimination cannot be achieved solely through the health system. He called for a public movement involving communities, elected representatives, and civil society to actively participate.
Nadda stressed the need for regular updates to MPs, assembly members, and municipal councilors from health officials regarding the TB burden in their constituencies, the challenges faced, the solutions being implemented, and the need to expedite case detection, ensure treatment adherence, and garner community support.
He noted that elected representatives serve as a crucial link between the government and the public, and their active involvement can significantly strengthen the campaign’s implementation at the grassroots level.
Nadda highlighted that the implementation should be based on collaboration rather than working in isolation. He directed that a senior government official be appointed in each ward to monitor the campaign’s progress.
Focusing on the role of technology in enhancing TB identification, the central minister mentioned that support would be provided for an increased number of handheld X-ray machines integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) to improve rapid diagnosis and case identification.
Additionally, Nadda chaired a high-level review meeting to assess preparations for dengue prevention and control in Delhi ahead of the monsoon season. The meeting focused on reviewing the changing epidemiological situation and evaluating the readiness of health institutions and civic agencies. The health minister was briefed on the dengue situation nationwide, with a special emphasis on the National Capital Region of Delhi.
A comprehensive action plan for dengue prevention and control in Delhi was presented, highlighting key measures for disease surveillance, vector management, case identification, clinical management, and enhancing public awareness.
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