New Delhi, Sept. 11 -- Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sardar TS Sandhu has directed officials to ensure that the targets under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan are met within the stipulated timeframe, with TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) coverage among eligible household contacts currently at 55 per cent against the target of 80 per cent, while Differentiated TB Care stands at

74 per cent against the target of 90 per cent by September 30, 2026.

Sandhu reviewed the progress of the programme in Delhi, along with Health Minister, GNCTD, Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary, GNCTD and senior officials. This was his second review of the programme, following the first review held on June 23. During the review, the LG noted that while the current figures showed momentum, they also pointed to operational gaps that needed to be addressed on priority. On case detection and screening, the LG suggested that hospitals consider screening patients for TB at the point of admission, regardless of the ailment for which they are being treated, after obtaining their consent. He said this would help ensure that TB cases are not missed and that treatment can begin without loss of time if detected.

He also directed officials to intensify outreach through social media and other media platforms so that people do not shy away from getting tested and are encouraged towards proactive screening for their own safety and that of their families. The LG further directed that the shortage of radiographers, which was holding back the full deployment of AI-enabled handheld X-ray machines, be addressed on priority so that available equipment is put to optimal use. He also directed officials to clear pending Direct Benefit Transfer backlogs for eligible beneficiaries without delay.

Concluding the review, Sandhu directed that targeted outreach in high risk wards and congregate settings be intensified to reduce the stigma associated with TB and drive higher screening numbers on the ground. Officials were directed to ensure that the programme's TPT coverage and Differentiated TB Care targets are achieved strictly by September 30.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.