How is Gujarat's Narmada district Achieving High Success in the Battle Against TB?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat is leading the fight against TB.
- Significant reduction in TB cases has been observed.
- Success attributed to strong state policies and community support.
- Patients receive comprehensive care, including nutritional aid.
- Free treatment is available in government hospitals.
Ahmedabad, Oct 22 (NationPress) Taking a significant lead in combating tuberculosis (TB), Gujarat has recently distinguished itself as the leading state under the Central Government's ambitious ‘Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’, which aims to eradicate the disease from the nation by the conclusion of 2025.
This milestone is primarily attributed to the dedicated efforts focused on eliminating TB from Narmada and other districts within the state, greatly contributing to the Prime Minister's aspiration of achieving a TB-free India by 2025.
According to District TB Officer Dr. Jhankhana Vasava, the policies implemented by the state government have not only diminished the number of TB patients in Narmada, recognized as an aspirational district, but have also markedly enhanced the treatment success rate.
He mentioned that the incidence of TB cases has plummeted significantly due to effective state strategies and the Central Government's Nikshay Mitra Scheme, which offers patients essential treatment and nutritional support.
In recent years, a comprehensive TB treatment framework has been established in Narmada and other districts, ensuring that patients have access to all necessary facilities, from diagnosis to therapy. This development has enabled TB patients to receive both appropriate treatment and a nourishing diet, greatly benefiting their recovery.
Over the past few years, TB cases have sharply decreased, and the initiatives aimed at making the region TB-free are showing promising results.
A patient recounted her experience and recovery, stating, “Initially, I struggled to gain weight and was in distress. I was admitted to the Civil Hospital, underwent tests, commenced treatment, and then received a food kit, which has proven extremely beneficial.”
Through the National TB Elimination Programme, Gujarat has shown a strong commitment by actively identifying TB patients on a large scale and guaranteeing that their treatment is entirely free in government-operated hospitals.
The city, which boasts a high success rate in TB treatment, is also becoming a model for the elimination of the disease.