Yogi govt’s TB eradication drive identifies 11,595 patients, begins treatment for 11,571

Lucknow : The Yogi government has intensified efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) from across Uttar Pradesh by 2025, implementing widespread awareness and patient screening initiatives. In this sequence, an Active Case Finding (ACF) campaign was conducted from September 9 to 20, focusing on identifying and treating TB cases as part of the National Tuberculosis Eradication Program (NTEP).

The campaign led to the identification of 11,595 TB patients statewide, with 11,571 patients promptly notified whose treatment has begun.

State Tuberculosis Officer Dr. Shailendra Bhatnagar shared that, following CM Yogi’s goal of eradicating TB, a campaign is underway to eliminate the disease from the state. As part of this effort, health workers visited 20% of the population during the ACF campaign, screening individuals with possible TB symptoms.

Out of 4.5 lakh people with potential symptoms, 4.38 lakh underwent sputum tests and X-rays, confirming TB in 11,595 individuals. Among these, 5,381 had pulmonary TB, and 6,314 had extra-pulmonary TB. Details for 11,571 patients, including screenings for diabetes, HIV, and medication sensitivity, were recorded on the Nikshay portal, and treatment was initiated.

Kushinagar had the highest number of cases, with 1,104 patients identified, followed by Gorakhpur (414), Etah (379), Lucknow (345), Meerut (303), Maharajganj (272), Gonda (271), Prayagraj (262), and Shahjahanpur (225). The campaign extended to both rural and urban areas, including orphanages, markets, mines, madrasas, old age homes, prisons, and slums.

Common symptoms of TB include:

• Persistent cough and fever for over two weeks
• Blood in sputum
• Loss of appetite and ongoing weight loss
• Night sweats
• Lump in the throat
• Fertility issues in women