New Delhi, April 10 (IANS). In an important step towards further improving Tuberculosis (TB) care services in the capital Delhi, the Delhi Government will set up a District TB Centre/Chest Clinic at the ‘Rural Health Training Center (RHTC)’, Najafgarh under the ‘National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP). This special center will have a 10-bed ‘Indoor Patient Department’ (IPD) where both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB patients will receive appropriate treatment.
Giving this information, Delhi Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh said that our government is committed to further strengthening the health infrastructure at the ground level. The development of District TB Centre/Chest Clinic at RHTC, Najafgarh is an important step taken in this direction. This facility will ensure better access to timely testing, specialist consultation and appropriate treatment for TB patients in South-West Delhi.
Najafgarh RHTC is a major health center for the rural population of the south-west district, providing health services to approximately three to four lakh people of the surrounding areas including Nangli, Sakravati, Dharmapura and Bharat Vihar. Currently many TB patients have to travel long distances to RTRM Hospital in Jafarpur for specialized services. This center proposed in RHTC located in Najafgarh will make the access of patients very easy due to its location, better road and metro connectivity.
Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh further said that by providing advanced Tuberculosis (TB) testing facilities, dedicated beds and specialist services under one roof, we are ensuring that no patient is deprived of treatment due to distance or lack of resources. He said that under the able leadership of Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, we are committed to building a highly advanced and patient-centric health system, which can effectively address public health challenges like TB.
As a major campaign under the Delhi National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), Delhi Government carried out a massive campaign in just 15 days between 24th March to 09th April under ‘TB Free India’ Campaign 2.0. During this period, a total of 432 Ayushman health camps were organized, out of which 88 camps were organized in high-risk areas. More than 38 thousand 800 people were screened in these camps, while 18 thousand 645 X-ray and 12 thousand 586 NAAT tests were conducted. 3760 TB patients were identified during this campaign. Also, TB treatment was provided to 1768 families. Along with this, 302 patients were given food packets under the Nikshay Mitra initiative. In this ‘TB Free India’ campaign, 42 Nikshay Mitras were registered and active participation of 40 public representatives (MLAs, MPs and Councilors) was also ensured.
This RHTC center will be equipped with advanced testing facilities like CBNAAT (General Expert) and TrueNat, which will enable rapid and accurate detection of TB, especially drug-resistant TB. Additionally, the presence of nearby diagnostic and treatment centers will further strengthen continuity of treatment. The development of the District TB Center at RHTC at Najafgarh reflects the Delhi Government’s commitment to rapidly achieve the goal of a TB-free Delhi by providing accessible and high-quality health services.
–IANS
DK/DKP
