Tuberculosis has been a global problem for decades now. Despite consistent efforts, India has not been able to eradicate TB. But the government is persisting with its strategy of consistent efforts until we succeed. Once thought to be a contagious disease in isolated hospital patients, advancements in medical fields, better antibiotics, and more accurate scientific methods have made TB treatment easily possible. The administration’s consistent efforts are paying off, as we now have three TB-free districts in Jammu and Kashmir. There are very few hunger deaths, and the population throughout the UT follows a healthy diet chart. An insufficient diet increases the risk of TB and a major deterrent in recovery. A sub-national certification is a project that has been in place to access the situation district-wise. Rigorous efforts are put into data collection and parsing of the data. Based on points, the categories of silver, gold, and TB-free are issued. In this year’s ratings, Srinagar has received the gold, while Pulwama and Anantnag have been declared TB-free, and Jammu and Kashmir overall got the bronze. These are not small achievements by any standard. Budgam had already been declared TB-free by 2021. Consistent efforts of the medical fraternity are paying off, as we are improving in many districts. But it is a matter of concern that other districts have shown little improvement. From time to time, different awareness camps are launched, and free medicines are provided. Even in the faintest doubt, in-depth tests are performed. Doctors and allied staff are working tirelessly with one goal: helping the patients. It is not at all easy to collect, test, and maintain data. Cases are on the decline, and the target is to make J&K TB-free by 2025. All three TB-free districts are in the Kashmir Division, which is quite an achievement in view of terrorism and climate. All other districts must put in extra effort to catch up with these three TB-free districts.
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