Dr. Ashok Kumar Bhardwaj, NTF Chairperson for Medical Colleges under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), visited Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (HIMSR) on 29 July 2026. The purpose of visit was to review the implementation of NTEP activities and interact with the stakeholders involved in the programme.
Dr Ashok Bhardwaj was accompanied by Dr Pooja Kapoor, Consultant WHO India for TB. The team was received by Dr Farzana Islam, HOD Community Medicine at Departmental Museum. Dr Rachma Tewari, HOD Microbiology and Dr Sumeera Banday, HOD Respiratory Medicine were also present along with other faculty members from department of Community Medicine, Microbiology and Respiratory Medicine.
Dr. Bhardwaj held a detailed interaction with representatives from various departments actively participating in NTEP activities. The discussions focused on institutional coordination, case notification, patient management, reporting mechanisms, and the overall contribution of the medical college towards the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme.
As part of the visit, Dr. Bhardwaj also visited the Designated Microscopy Centre (DMC) and DOTS Centre, where he reviewed the functioning of the facilities, patient care services, laboratory practices, and record maintenance. He appreciated the systematic documentation and the commitment of the faculty and staff towards effective implementation of NTEP guidelines.
Some specific observations/suggestions given by Dr Ashok Bhardwaj included:
- Institute to plan a CME/Workshop in coordination with district authorities to train various faculties/residents and staff members for latest developments in NTEP.
- Addition of members to NTEP ICC: NTF chair suggested that HOD Psychiatry/Dentistry or faculty nominated and Nursing Superintendent should be a member of ICC. Necessary steps may be taken in this regard. MS, HAHCH can also be nominated as vice chairperson for NTEP ICC of the institute.
- Chest X-ray should be investigation of choice for screening of presumptive TB among OPD patients, vulnerable population and special clinics.
- Necessary advertisements in form of banners/flex sheets etc should be there in various OPDs and hospital areas frequented by patients, encouraging those with suggestive symptoms to get screened for TB.
- Intensified Case finding for TB to be done among patients at special clinics (DM/HIV/Dialysis/ANC/Cancer care etc) using Chest X-ray and other suitable investigations.
- Presumptive TB cases to be entered over Nikshay portal to disseminate information of screening being done till district and state authorities.
- Minutes of meeting for NTEP ICC should include prescribed tabular format indicating performance of institute apart from routine issues discussed.
- Family Adoption Program (FAP) can be linked with NTEP with student volunteers visiting the community in coordination with district authorities, and encouraging community stakeholders, members to get screened for presumptive TB symptoms.
- Department wise patient records to be maintained at DMC as well as at DOTS centre for all types of patients/investigations/treatment being given.
Dr. Bhardwaj commended the efforts made by the HIMSR authorities in strengthening NTEP activities and maintaining high standards of programme implementation and documentation. He acknowledged the dedication of the multidisciplinary team involved in tuberculosis care and control.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Bhardwaj also met Dr. Musharraf Husain, Dean, HIMSR, and discussed the institution’s ongoing initiatives under NTEP, future opportunities for strengthening programme activities, and the continued role of medical colleges in achieving the goal of tuberculosis elimination.
The visit concluded on a positive note, with Dr. Bhardwaj expressing his appreciation for the sincere efforts of HIMSR in supporting the objectives of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme and encouraging the institution to continue its exemplary work towards TB elimination.
