Srinagar, June 19: The 2-day Zonal Task Force (North Zone) meeting under National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) started at Govt. Medical College Srinagar on Monday.
Administrative Secretary (H&ME) J&K, Bhupinder Kumar attended the 2-day Zonal Task Force meeting as chief guest. The ZTF meeting is being held in Kashmir for the first time, symbolizing the J&K’s commitment to combat TB.
Officials informed that the aim of the ZTF meeting is to foster active collaboration between medical colleges and NTEP and utilize the clinical expertise and cutting-edge diagnostic facilities to provide quality care to patients in Kashmir.
The Secretary commended the role State and District TB Office in achieving the 3 Districts as TB Free (Budgam, Anantnag and Pulwama), 02 Districts as Gold (Kupwara and Srinagar) and 01 District as Bronze (Baramulla) in Sub-National Certification exercise by Govt. of India.
At the same time, he emphasized on more strategic and outcome-oriented approach towards TB elimination in Jammu & Kashmir.
He praised the role of ZTF and National Task Force (NTF) in NTEP. Kumar requested more active involvement of community in Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to provide nutritional support to TB patients.
He emphasized on improving treatment adherence to improve outcomes. He congratulated the State and Kashmir Division on hosting the event and wished the ZTF for a fruitful meeting.
Officials said discussions and deliberations were held on the performance of the TB elimination program and the involvement and role of the medical colleges.
Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Principal GMC Srinagar, Dr Masood Tanvir, National Taskforce Chairpersons, TB Officers and other concerned stakeholders were present on the occasion.
On Tuesday, the presentation of Jammu and Kashmir on TB statistics will be presented by State Taskforce Chairman, Dr Naveed Nazir Shah.
