Kartik Kumar
Pakur
A central health team led by Dr Chhavi Pant Joshi, Joint Director, National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), visited Pakur on Thursday to assess the ground-level implementation of the Kala-Azar elimination programme.
The team visited Shahargati village in Amrapara block and Ghagharjani village in Hiranpur block to review the condition and treatment of Kala-Azar and Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) patients. Officials assessed treatment progress, follow-up arrangements and field-level activities undertaken by the health department.
The team also inspected the concerned community health centres and reviewed patient records, Kala-Azar dossiers, treatment documents, surveillance activities and other programme-related records. Health workers, ASHA workers and beneficiaries were also consulted to assess the effectiveness of the programme.
Officials emphasised the need to intensify active case detection for PKDL and ensure timely identification, testing and treatment of suspected cases. They also called for stronger follow-up and surveillance mechanisms.
A regional review meeting was subsequently held with officials from Pakur, Godda, Dumka and Sahibganj districts. The meeting reviewed the prevalence of Kala-Azar and PKDL, patient management, surveillance, vector-control measures and programme progress in the four districts.
The officials directed the district teams to strengthen field activities and ensure timely diagnosis and treatment to sustain progress towards Kala-Azar elimination.
