JAMMU, October 13, 2026 – Taking a significant step toward eradicating tuberculosis in the region, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu has officially inaugurated its new DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) Centre. The specialized facility was inaugurated under the guidance of Prof (Dr.) Sanjeev Sinha, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Jammu.
The newly established centre aims to comprehensively strengthen tuberculosis (TB) care by ensuring timely treatment, providing thorough patient counseling, enabling regular clinical monitoring, and significantly improving treatment adherence. The initiative aligns seamlessly with the Central Government’s ambitious national vision of a ‘TB-Mukt Bharat’ (TB-Free India).
Administratively, the DOTS Centre will function collaboratively under the Departments of Pulmonary Medicine and General Medicine. It will operate under the expert clinical guidance of Assistant Professors Dr. Isha Garg and Dr. Ganesh Kumar from the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, along with Associate Professors Dr. Gaurav Gupta and Dr. Ritu from the Department of General Medicine. The primary focus of the clinical team will be to support patients throughout their challenging treatment journey and ensure they successfully complete their prescribed course of medication.
During the inauguration, Prof (Dr.) Sanjeev Sinha emphasized that eliminating tuberculosis requires much more than just diagnosis and medication. “It necessitates a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that includes timely treatment, continuous monitoring, counseling, and sustained patient support,” he stated. He further highlighted that early detection and strict adherence to the prescribed medical regimen are critical to preventing treatment interruptions and achieving successful health outcomes.
Prof. Sinha also addressed the pressing need to combat the social stigma and various misconceptions traditionally associated with TB. He urged healthcare professionals to foster compassionate engagement with patients, ensuring through awareness and education that every individual receives the necessary emotional and medical support.
Prof (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Kundal, Professor & Head of the Department of Paediatric Surgery and Medical Superintendent of AIIMS Jammu, also spoke at the event. He underscored the vital importance of coordinated, multi-departmental efforts among healthcare professionals to guarantee timely diagnoses and effective follow-ups, noting that the new centre is poised to drastically improve clinical outcomes for TB patients across the region.
Published by True Roots Media Network