Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
* TB PATIENTS TO GET IMMEDIATE MEDICAL AID AT THEIR DOORSTEPS- JAYANI
Chandigarh June 26: The Punjab government is all set to launch a Toll Free Helpline no. 1800116666 to reach out to tuberculosis patients across the state. Any suspected patient can call or even give a missed call on the helpline number and government health workers will contact the person to check the status of TB as well as provide medical intervention.
Disclosing this here today Health Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani said that mobile and other telecommunication tools would be used in an inventive manner in this programme named ‘Call to Action for TB Free India’.
The Minister also said that this in the absence of this system, patients had to face lot of difficulties to get information regarding TB on this exclusive toll free number. Control of this Toll free helpline Number would be at Gurgaon. Anybody who dials this no. or gives missed call to this number will get desired information by officers at Call Centre. He also said that if the problem is of serious nature then the caller would be given the number of concerned District TB Officer (DTO) for further investigations.
Mr. Jyani also said that a massive mass awareness campaign through multi-media campaign would be taken up as part of the Call to Action for a TB Free India. He appealed to various stakeholders across the private sector, civil society members, experts, doctors, patients and caregivers to be part of the movement to make India TB free.
The Health Minister stated that to achieve the vision of TB Free Punjab, the department would ensure 90% coverage of BCG under the Mission Indradhanush; reach out to the unreached; diagnose all TB cases within two weeks of symptoms and refer to the nearest public health center. He also asked the Health officers at the district levels to employ extensive use of rapid diagnostic kits and active screening of high risk population; and ensure treatment completion.
The Minister added that efforts will be made to ensure a rigorous follow up of treatment and ensure free treatment at the doorsteps, he stated. Emphasis would be laid on provision of comprehensive healthcare to TB patients.
The Minister has asked the Health officials to resolve the TB related problems within 48 hours. He made a fervent appeal to the residents of the state to utilize this service so as to eradicate the Tuberculosis from the state.
