:- In order to review the implementation of Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative launched under PRADHAN MANTRI TB MUKT BHARAT ABHIYAAN to provide additional patient support to improve treatment outcomes of TB patients a meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar(DC) Mohammad Aijaz Asad here at  Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex.

  The meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer, Mohammad Yaseen Lone, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jameel Ahmad, State TB Officer, Dr Adhfar Yaseen, District TB Officer, Dr Tehjeena, Deputy CMO, Dr Asifa and BMO Hazratbal, Dr Farah, besides Zonal Medical Officers and other concerned.  

 At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner, who is also the Chairman District TB Control Society was given a detailed appraisal about the implementation of Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative in Srinagar District through a PowerPoint presentation.

 While highlighting the objectives of the initiative, the DC said this is a part of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan launched with the view to combat challenges of tuberculosis through multi-sectoral response. He said the Nikshay Mitra initiative has been envisioned to bring together all community stakeholders to support those on TB treatment and accelerate the progress towards TB elimination.

 The DC said though the efforts of the Administration are yielding significant results, the community and the corporate sector in the society can play a pivotal role in filling gaps and addressing social causes.

The DC stressed on speeding up the pace of registration under Ni-kshay Mitra initiatives on mass scale within 2 next weeks. He called for active involvement of stakeholders including individuals, Hoteliers, Tour & Travel Operators, Trade & Transport Associations, NGOs, Private Health Institutions Elected Public representatives and Serving Government Officers.

 While discussing the operational plan for effective implementation of Nikshay Mitra initiative, the DC was informed that in Srinagar District out of total 235 patients on treatment in different Medical Zones as many as 147 patients have consented for Community Support while over 2000 NIKSHAY MITRAs (patients Donors) are being registered in the District.

He was also informed that a Corporate Sector of Srinagar has agreed to adopt 180 patients for a year under Ni-Kshay Mitra scheme.

On the occasion, the DC asked the concerned officers to work in mission mode for such noble cause and ensure registration of 2000 NIKSHAY MITRAs in Srinagar District within next 2 weeks.

 The DC also laid emphasis on mass awareness about the scheme so that desired targets are achieved in a time bound manner.

 During the meeting, it was given out that as many as 13112 Presumptive Examination for TB detection were conducted during 2021, while more than 24000 such test were also conducted  from January to September this year by District TB Society Srinagar.

Pertinent  to mention that the Srinagar District is well on the path to become TB free District by March 2023.

 HIV, Diabetes, UDSP testing rate has increased to above 90 percent.

Active TB case finding, presumptive examination has been done at around 4000 Tests against  1906 tests done during in year 2021.