ADC, Leh, Ghulam Mohammad (JKAS) chaired a meeting of the District TB Forum under the National Tuberculosis Eradication Programme (NTEP) at the VC Room on December 30.

The meeting began with a detailed presentation by Yuseer Ahmet, District Programme Coordinator (NTEP), who outlined key agenda points, including an overview of tuberculosis, the role of the District TB Forum, the vision of a TB-Free India, and the TB notification status of Leh district for 2025. It was informed that Leh district recorded 160 TB cases against a target of 35.

The presentation also highlighted district performance indicators, including TB-related deaths over the past five years, rates of presumptive TB examinations, drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB cases, adult and paediatric TB data, and the contribution of both public and private sectors in TB reporting. Special emphasis was laid on ongoing initiatives such as the “TB Harega Desh Jeetega” campaign, the role of TB Champions and family members, Nikshay Poshan Yojana, and the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA).

During the discussion, the ADC raised queries regarding awareness campaigns, funding mechanisms for TB patients, availability of medicines, distribution of nutritional food baskets, and the overall process of service delivery. The concerns were addressed by the officials present.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Leh, highlighted the requirement for four auxiliary technicians to support mobile handling and TV screening in order to further strengthen TB screening and outreach services in the district.

A TB patient also shared his experience during the meeting, expressing gratitude for the free availability of medicines and regular medical check-ups provided under the programme.

Officials informed that TB cases in Leh district have shown a consistent decline over the years, and that Ladakh records the highest rate of presumptive TB testing, reflecting robust surveillance and early detection mechanisms.