Lucknow: The state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) has made significant strides in the National TB Elimination Programme by implementing effective strategies, including prompt reporting of cases and real-time data entry. A recent assessment conducted by the state health and family welfare department revealed that UP’s performance in the programme has improved, thanks to a rigorous monitoring system and proactive resolution of issues.
Under the National TB Division framework, states are evaluated against nine parameters, and UP has achieved an impressive score of 80%. This score indicates the state’s success in combating tuberculosis.
UP’s remarkable achievement can be attributed to its overall score of 85.3% for the calendar year 2023, marking a substantial increase from its 2021 score of 77%. All 75 districts in the state have achieved scores exceeding 82%. Among the districts, Rampur claimed the top spot with a score of 92.8, followed by Pratapgarh (91.6) and Bijnore (90.8). Conversely, Kheri (82.2), Kanpur Nagar (83), and Gautam Budh Nagar (83.1) ranked among the bottom three. The state capital, Lucknow, secured the 70th position with a score of 83.4.
An official spokesperson credited this achievement to effective monitoring and the high priority given to the TB Elimination Programme by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Chief Minister regularly reviews the situation and ensures that TBEP remains a top priority for the state. This milestone demonstrates the dedication and commitment of the Yogi government to fulfill the Prime Minister’s resolution of making India TB-free by 2025.
Dr. Brijesh Rathore, the Director General of Health in Uttar Pradesh, applauded the continuous monitoring and periodic reviews by the Chief Minister, which left no room for complacency at any level.
Dr. Shailendra Bhatnagar, the State TB officer, highlighted UP’s achievement in achieving full marks in TB notification, which serves as the first step towards elimination. Since 2021, UP has successfully contained the number of TB cases reported in private medical facilities, with 99% notifications recorded in 2023.
The adoption of real-time data entry for TB cases has increased our private sector notification rate. Weekly monitoring and a case-to-case resolution of problems in the weakest performing centers have helped address any lingering issues, said Dr. Bhatnagar.
The assessment also included a division-wise score, with Moradabad division securing the first position with 89.5 points, followed by Prayagraj (89.1) and Aligarh (88.6).
This news further bolsters UP’s efforts in combating tuberculosis and brings hope for the state’s goal of achieving a TB-free society. With effective strategies, prompt reporting of cases, and real-time data entry, UP has set a commendable example for other states in the fight against TB.
