Jaipur, Aug. 28 -- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), through its National Institute of Epidemiology in Chennai, has selected Jaipur as a pilot site for a unique tuberculosis (TB) detection project. The initiative aims to identify patients who often miss formal treatment procedures and resort to self-medication, especially in urban slums. Rajasthan Drug Controller Raja Ram Sharma said the project focuses on individuals who avoid disclosing their illness due to stigma and instead rely on over-the-counter cough syrups and similar medications. "Such cases go unreported and untreated, which poses a challenge in TB control. To address this, ICMR has launched this pilot in Jaipur," said Sharma. Under the programme, pharmacies selling cough syrups in Jaipur's designated areas will be required to record the buyer's name, address, and mobile number at the counter. These details will be reported to medical officers, who will then pass the information to ASHA workers. The ASHA teams will visit patients, collect sputum samples, and ensure they are included in the TB treatment programme. The Drug Controller's office has already issued directions to Assistant Drug Controllers and Drug Control Officers to work with ICMR teams and train local chemists. On July 21, a circular was sent to drug inspectors in Jaipur-II (selected as the surveillance zone) instructing them to hold meetings with chemists, raise awareness, and ensure compliance with mandatory reporting norms. According to officials, the project will help in early detection of TB cases beyond the existing National TB Elimination Programme and could be scaled up across other districts if successful....