Jammu District Sets Sights on Total TB Elimination as Major Healthcare Overhaul Begins
JAMMU, AUGUST 08, 2026 :- In a comprehensive push to revamp public health services across the region, District Development Commissioner Rakesh Minhas spearheaded a high-level review on Saturday to assess the current healthcare infrastructure, maternal care delivery, and local disease control initiatives. The meeting focused heavily on aligning district-level health achievements with top national and Union Territory standards. A central highlight was a strategic drive to eliminate Tuberculosis (TB) through a unified front, with local administration urging private hospitals to actively join the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). To tackle the condition among high-risk groups, authorities are preparing an aggressive screening campaign that will deliver targeted medical assistance and early intervention directly to vulnerable communities.
Beyond infectious disease management, the administration mapped out a clear roadmap to enhance mother and child health services across Jammu. Discussions centered on improving clinical standards under the RMNCH+A framework, boosting coverage under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), and maintaining high success rates for both natural and surgical deliveries. The review also examined the ground implementation of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, specifically addressing claim processing efficiency and facility-level operational hurdles to ensure seamless patient access to quality medical services.
To address long-term health risks, officials were instructed to accelerate screening for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) alongside a district-wide enrollment push for Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs. Infrastructure improvements were equally prioritized, with sector-by-sector evaluations conducted on ongoing healthcare facility renovations and upgrades funded through the District Capex budget. Ahead of the upcoming National Deworming Day launching on August 10, the administration finalized a week-long drive aimed at administering preventive care tablets to children district-wide, while simultaneously acknowledging local health workers for their continuous support during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
The strategy session brought together key administrative and healthcare leaders, including Additional District Development Commissioner Sher Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Vidhu Shekhar, Chief Medical Officer Narinder Bhatial, and the Chief Planning Officer, along with Block Medical Officers from across Jammu to align operations for the months ahead.