Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 14 July 2025
As part of the ongoing TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, a comprehensive Sensitization Training on Tuberculosis (TB) Screening for vulnerable populations was conducted on July 12, 2025, at the Conference Hall of the BDO Office, Car Nicobar. The initiative was held under the direction of Mr. Amit Kale, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District.
The session was led by Dr. Anwar Moosa, District TB Officer and TB Programme Lead for Nicobar District, who conducted an in-depth PowerPoint presentation on TB screening protocols and strategies for reaching vulnerable communities. The training saw the active participation of Mr. Muneer Ahmed, Assistant Commissioner (HQ), Car Nicobar; Dr. Grace (NFSG), Medical Superintendent (I/c), BJR Hospital; as well as the Medical Officer, District Programme Coordinator (DPC), PMDT Coordinator, Accountant, CHOs, and ANMs from BJR Hospital.
Assistant Commissioners from Nancowrie and Campbell Bay, Mr. Aditya Sangotra and Mr. Keshav Narendra Singh respectively, joined the session through video conferencing along with their respective teams comprising Medical Officers, STSs, STLS, TBHV, CHOs, and ANMs.
During the session, Dr. Moosa provided detailed guidance on both Passive Case Finding (PCF) at health facilities and Active Case Finding (ACF) through community-based outreach. He emphasized the identification of high-risk groups such as household TB contacts, people living with HIV (PLHIV), malnourished children, diabetics, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The training also covered diagnostic approaches, including the use of Chest X-rays and Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT), along with strategies for follow-up screening every six months and alternatives for remote populations.
All three Assistant Commissioners assured their full cooperation in the district-wide TB elimination efforts and pledged to provide logistical support and supervision, even in hard-to-reach areas of Nicobar.
The sensitization training marks a significant step in strengthening inter-sectoral coordination and capacity building to achieve the national goal of a TB-free India.
