Telangana Fights TB: Village Screening Drive Launched

Telangana has launched a significant health initiative, conducting tuberculosis screening camps in 2,492 villages to accelerate the disease's elimination. Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha announced these efforts during a review meeting with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda.

Minister Nadda urged all states to ensure comprehensive diagnostic testing for suspected tuberculosis cases, including chest X-rays and sputum examinations. He also highlighted the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, which provides ₹1,000 monthly to diagnosed patients for nutritional support, a program also bolstered by the state government's provision of food baskets.

Furthering the state's commitment to public health, Telangana is also focused on reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram teams are conducting health screenings for children up to 18 years old. High-risk pregnancies are identified early, and government hospitals are equipped with birth planning facilities, alongside mandatory antenatal care check-ups.