TUBERCULOSIS – a major public health problem:
Commission is watching with considerable concern the complex threat of Tuberculosis all over the country. Situation is daunting and needs urgent and sustained attention. An Expert Group was set up by the Commission to have a close look at this Public Health problem. Besides secondary research, the group visited specific sites, consulted with the senior government officials as well as respected technical consultants, NGOs and of course, the patients at large and local functionaries. The report of the Commission in based on the findings of the above endeavour. The content of the report was shared with the Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, senior officials of the Ministry as well as the Director General of Health Services, Government of India. They generally agreed with the recommendations and have promised appropriate and urgent act on on the Report.
The State of Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme in India and the Future Challenges:
The growing menace of Vector Borne Diseases all over the country is well known. The Commission set up a Task Force consisting of eminent health professionals, scientists and administrators to look at present situation as well as the short comings of the programme on the ground. The draft report containing the recommendations of the Commission was shared with the Central and State level officials in a meeting hosted by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India. The recommendations of this consultation were also incorporated in the final report to ensure they are fully implementable at the State level. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare as well as the National Vector Borne Disease Control Progrmme were very much part of the preparation of this report. The report is now with the Government of India for implementation and appropriate action.