In a significant move to combat tuberculosis (TB), Deputy Commissioner Amritsar, Mrs. Sakshi Sawhney , has formed a task force to eradicate TB from the district. The task force aims to provide comprehensive support to TB patients, including those who are unable to afford proper nutrition due to financial constraints.
During a special meeting held today, it was decided that the district administration, in collaboration with commercial establishments, Red Cross, religious organizations, and charitable individuals, will provide monthly food support to needy patients.
She appealed to every officer adopt these patients for food requirements and also desired to adopt more than ten patients herself. Mrs. Sawhney emphasized the importance of keeping a record of every patient and ensuring that they receive proper diet and medication as advised by experts.
The Deputy Commissioner instructed officials to map over 5,000 TB patients in the district according to their residence, enabling Asha workers and other employees to provide medicine and food to patients in their respective areas.
A system will be established to send reminders to patients to take their daily medication via text messages, and a helpline number will be provided for patients to seek assistance when their medication runs out.
Mrs. Sawhney reiterated the district's commitment to becoming the first in the country to eliminate TB. She emphasized that the administration will invest all necessary time, resources, money, and energy to achieve this goal.
The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Mrs. Sonam, Civil Surgeon Mrs. Kirandeep Kaur, Superintendent of Central Jail Mr. Hemant Sharma, GM Industry Manavpreet Singh, Dr PS Grover Deputy Medical supdt, Dr Vijay District TB officer, Dr Guneet HOD TB Deptt TB hospital., Dr Paritosh’s Dhawan, consultant, WHO also present in meeting.