Bhubaneswar: TB Mitra, a unique mobile application for tuberculosis-affected communities was launched in Berhampur this week.

Ganjam is the second district in the state after Bargarh to launch the app on a pilot basis as part of a collaboration between the State TB Cell, department of health and family welfare, and Reach, a non-profit organisation.

Reach developed the application in partnership with Dure Technologies and support from the US Agency for International Development.

Ganjam collector Vijay Amruta Kulange, while speaking during the launch, said: "It is the administration's responsibility to make the pilot process a success."

He highlighted the need to integrate the education department in the promotion of the app's usage.

Prior to the app's launch, two orientation meetings on the app were held for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and community health workers from across the district.

Chief district medical officer Sadanand Mishra described the objectives of the app: "The community app was developed for the betterment of those affected by tuberculosis. We will ensure that proper information, education, communication (IEC) dissemination is done so the piloting is successful," he said.

The app, which is available on Android and iOS, provides basic information on the disease, allows users to report issues they face at TB facilities, and maps facilities available near their location. Users will also be able to track issues they have reported and raise follow-up queries. The app will be rolled out across the state based on findings from the pilot phase. TB Mitra is currently available in Odia, Hindi and English.

A rapid response team of State TB Cell officials, Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program staff members from Ganjam and field staff members has been constituted to respond to all queries.