ADC Directs Continuous Monitoring of TB Patients in Hamirpur

Hamirpur | August 3: Additional Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Garg has directed health officials, doctors, healthcare workers and ASHA workers to ensure continuous monitoring of tuberculosis (TB) patients to make Hamirpur a TB-free district. He instructed ASHA workers to supervise patients while taking their medication and asked health teams to maintain regular contact with patients throughout their treatment.

Chairing the District TB Forum review meeting under the TB Mukt Bharat campaign, Garg said four additional handheld X-ray machines have been provided to the district to strengthen field-level TB screening and ensure early detection.

He said TB treatment and medicines are provided free of cost, and patients can recover completely if they begin treatment on time and follow medical advice. However, lack of awareness and irregular medication remain major concerns. So far this year, 523 TB cases have been detected in the district and treatment has been initiated. Seven TB patients have died, though most of them were also suffering from other serious illnesses. Garg stressed the need for continuous monitoring and public awareness to bring TB-related deaths down to zero.

Several recovered TB patients also shared their experiences and thanked the Health Department during the meeting. CMO Dr. Ajay Atri, District TB Control Officer Dr. Sunil Verma, WHO Consultant Dr. Niket and other health officials presented reports on the TB elimination campaign.

The ADC also reviewed preparedness against water-borne and vector-borne diseases during the monsoon season. He directed officials to maintain adequate stocks of medicines at all health centres, ensure cleanliness around drinking water sources and public places, and take immediate action in case of any disease outbreak.