Inauguration of Active Case Finding Project for TB

Active Case Finding Project for TB, a programme sponsored by HP Enterprise and to be implemented by APPL Foundation at the Tea Estates of APPL was launched at an event organized at Kellyden Tea Estate on 16 th January 2020. The programme will be implemented at the Estates of Kellyden, Namroop, Powai and Hathikuli from February 2020.

The programme was attended by Dr. A C Pator, Joint Director of Heath, Nagaon, Dr. R K Goswami , District TB Control officer,Nagaon, Dr . Pradip Lahkar, Special advisor to Medical board, Govt of Assam, Dr. L.C Saikia SDMO Jakhalabandha FRU, Dr. M C Deka, Dy. Superintendent Jakhalabandha FRU, Mr. Dhurbajyoti Das , BPM Jakhalabandha and Mrs. Rinkumoni Sarma Barua , TB Supervisor. Mr Sushil Bhatla , Head CSR HP Enterprise was present at the event along with other representatives of HP. The programme was attended by Mr. Deepak Modi , VP- APPL, Mr. Prabir Murari , VP- APPL, Mr. Sanjay Kumar Dutta , VA- APPL, Dr. P. Khaund, CMO APPL along with representatives from several other Tea Estates.

Mr. Dhiraj Kakati, Managing Trustee APPL Foundation, highlighted the need to work with all stakeholders for eradication of TB by 2025. He conveyed his sincere thanks to HP Enterprise India in implementing and supporting several health initiatives in Estates since 2015. Dr. Khaund highlighted the program components and laid stress on successful implementation of the program. He opined that people’s participation will be the key to achieve the project targets and expressed his confidence in the system to address active TB cases in a targeted manner. Mr. Sushil Bhatla, reiterated HP’s committed in creating TB free India. Dr. A.C Pator, Joint Director of Heath, Nagaon and Dr. R.K Goswami, District TB Control officer, Nagaon assured their cooperation in providing necessary support services in active TB case identification and control to make the initiative successful. Dr. Pradip Lahkar, Special advisor to Medical Board, Govt. of Assam said that he looks forward to learn about the results of these initiatives. He shared that it is encouraging to see private sector s like APPL and HP Enterprise taking interest to improve the heath indicators of the vulnerable tea garden workers.

To champion the cause, 24 year old Jonaki Behera, of the Tea Tribe community, from Kellyden Tea Estate shared her success story of fighting TB and thereafter completing her graduation. She was offered appointment as coordinator.

Total Household covered - 3314
Individuals screened - 17393
Sputum tests - 128
X – rays - 101
TB Patients diagnosed - 23