139 Screened in AI-Assisted TB detection camp at Drass Hospital

DRASS: The Drass administration conducted an Active Case Finding (ACF) campaign under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), with 139 government employees undergoing AI-assisted chest X-ray screening at Drass Hospital to strengthen early detection of tuberculosis.

The integrated screening camp combined artificial intelligence-enabled chest X-ray examinations with routine health services as part of efforts to identify tuberculosis cases at an early stage and expand preventive healthcare coverage in the district.

According to officials, 139 individuals, comprising 110 men and 29 women, were screened during the campaign. Of these, 26 were identified as presumptive tuberculosis cases and referred for Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) for further diagnostic confirmation.

Alongside tuberculosis screening, 114 beneficiaries also underwent blood pressure and blood sugar examinations as part of the integrated healthcare initiative.

Deputy Commissioner Drass Imteeaz Kacho (JKAS) visited the hospital during the campaign and underwent screening. He reviewed the activities and interacted with Dr. Praveen Yadav, WHO Consultant (North Zone), Dr. Fatima Nissa, District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO), Kargil, and Dr. Sajjad Hussain, Block Medical Officer (BMO), regarding the implementation of the programme.

Syed Mohammad, District Programme Coordinator, District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC), Kargil, also reviewed the screening exercise and appreciated the coordinated efforts of the field teams involved in conducting the campaign. Officials said the initiative demonstrated coordinated action among healthcare agencies and government departments to strengthen early tuberculosis detection while delivering integrated preventive health services. The campaign forms part of ongoing efforts under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme to support the goal of a TB-free Kargil through timely diagnosis and coordinated public health interventions.