Varanasi, Dec 16 – More that 10,000 active cases of tuberculosis (TB) were detected during 10 day special Active Case Finding (ACF) campaign launched by the Uttar Pradesh government in an effort to increase the scope of TB screening and testing.
The campaign was carried out across the state between November 23 to December 5. Under this campaign, micro-plans were prepared for 20 per cent of urban, rural settlements and high-risk areas in each district, leading to the collection of sputum samples from 2,78,024 people showing symptoms of TB during door-to-door screening.
As part of this initiative, TB was confirmed in 10,015 individuals, and treatment has been initiated for them. Among those tested for sputum, TB was confirmed in 5,342 people, while X-ray tests identified TB in 4,673 individuals.
State Tuberculosis Control Programme Officer, Dr Shailendra Bhatnagar said that the campaign has been extended to include various institutions such as orphanages, old age homes, Nari Niketan, child protection homes, madrasas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, prisons and identified places like vegetable markets, fruit markets, labour markets, under-construction projects, brick kilns, stone crushers, mines and weekly markets, among others.
He said that blood sugar, UDST, and HIV tests were also conducted for patients confirmed with TB. During the treatment of TB patients, under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, a monthly allowance of Rs 500 will be provided and they will also be connected with a Nikshay Mitra to receive nutritional support and emotional assistance throughout their treatment.
Dr Bhatnagar said, “If a cough persists for more than two weeks, accompanied by fever, weight loss and loss of appetite, then it is essential to undergo TB testing. Testing for TB is available free of cost at government hospitals. If TB is confirmed in the test, do not panic because its complete cure is possible. According to the doctor’s advice, take the prescribed medication regularly. Medication for TB can be obtained for free from a TB hospital, DOT centre, or local ASHA worker.”
He said that the Active Case Finding (ACF) campaign also received support from village representatives in the TB search initiative. Under the 10-day special campaign, a maximum of 477 TB patients were detected in Kushinagar followed by 457 in Maharajganj, 417 in Etah, 389 in Agra and 367 in Gorakhpur.
