Patna: The Bihar government has set a target of screening 10 million people for tuberculosis (TB) by August 14 as it intensifies efforts to eliminate the disease across the state.
The target was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Monday. Officials informed the meeting that around 1.6 million people had been screened so far under the campaign, which was reviewed for the period between July 2 and July 9.
Screening And Testing Progress
According to data presented during the meeting, 78,962 chest X-rays were conducted among vulnerable populations during the review period, while 9,946 people underwent nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT).
Officials also reported that 1,095 TB patients were assessed for treatment, and 5,573 household contacts were placed on tuberculosis preventive treatment.
Under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, payments were released to 24,673 beneficiaries, while 1,032 food baskets were distributed with support from Nikshay Mitras. The state also notified 2,595 new TB patients during the review period.
District Performance Reviewed
The Health Department reviewed district-wise performance against weekly targets.
Saharsa recorded the highest achievement at 341%, followed by Arwal (288%), Muzaffarpur (274%), Aurangabad (258%) and Sheikhpura (239%).
Buxar (17%), Jamui (25%), Araria (29%), Sitamarhi (30%) and West Champaran (33%) were identified as the lowest-performing districts during the review period.
Officials Directed To Strengthen Monitoring
The Chief Secretary instructed all District Magistrates and Health Department officials to intensify implementation of the campaign to meet the August 14 target.
He directed districts to appoint Deputy Collectors and other district-level officers as dedicated nodal officers for every block and ward to strengthen monitoring and improve coordination during the campaign.
NCC Cadets To Support Campaign
The state government also plans to involve National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets in the tuberculosis elimination campaign to expand community outreach and support awareness and screening activities.
Officials said the intensified drive is intended to improve early detection, strengthen treatment coverage and accelerate progress towards a TB-free Bihar.
