J&K Achieves 100% TB Screening Coverage in High-Risk Villages, CS Atal Dulloo Reviews Progress
SRINAGAR, JULY 08 — Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) to assess the progress of the ‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ in Jammu & Kashmir. A major milestone was announced during the meeting, revealing that J&K has achieved 100% geographical coverage by conducting 1,525 Nikshay Shivirs across all 1,518 identified High-Risk Villages (HRVs). Over 6.85 lakh residents in these vulnerable areas have been screened so far. Chief Secretary Dulloo commended the healthcare workers and emphasized the necessity of early detection, rigorous contact tracing, and uninterrupted treatment to break the chain of transmission. He also highlighted the strategic importance of the ‘Khushi Chatbot’ integrated within the TB Mukt Bharat App, noting that providing guidance in local languages enhances community participation, dispels misconceptions, and improves treatment adherence.
The review, attended by top health and medical education officials, showcased substantial improvements in key indicators over the past three weeks. To strengthen diagnostics in remote areas, 11 additional hand-held digital X-ray machines have been deployed in districts like Reasi, Doda, Rajouri, Ramban, Baramulla, Srinagar, and Kupwara. Digital chest X-ray screenings jumped from 1.72 lakh to over 3.15 lakh individuals, raising the overall examination rate to nearly 79%. Furthermore, 91% of the 95,810 microbiological investigations performed utilized rapid molecular tests (NAAT) for early accuracy. The initiation of TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) for eligible household contacts surged from 34% to 65%, while holistic care expanded significantly with the distribution of nutritional Poshan Kits rising from 54.5% to 86%, benefiting nearly 3,930 patients.
Jammu & Kashmir continues to surpass national benchmarks in TB surveillance, conducting over 3.19 lakh presumptive diagnostic tests in the first six months of 2026 alone. A highly encouraging outcome from the detailed TB Death Audits revealed that out of the 88 TB deaths recorded on the Nikshay portal between January and June 2026, zero deaths were confirmed as attributable to tuberculosis, reflecting vastly improved patient management and treatment adherence. Additionally, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has approved a ₹117 lakh financial assistance proposal to provide free diagnostics under Differentiated TB Care. Reaffirming the administration’s vision, Dulloo reiterated that J&K remains fully committed to achieving a TB-free India through coordinated public action and technological innovation.