JAMMU, March 25: On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched the ‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan – 100 Days Campaign’ at the Convention Centre Jammu, calling for a united effort to eliminate tuberculosis from Jammu and Kashmir.
The nationwide campaign, initiated under the leadership of Jagat Prakash Nadda, aims to accelerate progress towards TB elimination through targeted, technology-driven interventions and enhanced community participation.
Call for Mass Movement Against TB
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor stressed that the campaign must evolve into a people’s movement across the Union Territory.
“It is our resolve to transform this campaign into a people’s movement in Jammu and Kashmir. We must ensure it is more focused, community-driven and reaches every vulnerable section,” he said.
He urged all stakeholders to position Jammu and Kashmir not just as a participant, but as a leader in the national fight against tuberculosis.
Public Health is a Shared Responsibility
Highlighting the importance of collective action, LG Sinha stated that public health is not solely the responsibility of the Health Department but a shared duty of society.
“Our pledge for a TB-free Jammu and Kashmir rests on the commitment that we leave no patient behind. Every case must be detected, and every patient must be supported until full recovery,” he said.
He emphasised the need for health teams and communities to work together with a clear goal of reaching the last mile, ensuring early detection and continuous care.
Focus on Awareness and Early Detection
The Lieutenant Governor called upon the Health Department, district administrations, and citizens to intensify testing, identify TB-prone areas, and spread awareness at the grassroots level.
He reiterated that testing and treatment for TB are available free of cost and that full recovery is achievable with timely intervention.
“Awareness will be our most powerful medicine. Every household must know that TB is treatable and curable,” he added.
Technology-Driven Interventions
The 100-day campaign will incorporate advanced tools and outreach strategies to improve detection and treatment. AI-enabled portable X-ray systems will be deployed in remote and high-risk areas, including tribal regions, migrant settlements, and urban slums.
Mobile healthcare units, known as Ni-Kshay vans, will provide on-the-spot diagnostic and treatment services. In addition, Ayushman health camps will offer a range of medical tests such as chest X-rays, NAAT tests, blood sugar, haemoglobin, blood pressure, and BMI assessments.
Strengthening Community Participation
The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to involve self-help groups, students, educational institutions, industries, NGOs, and public enterprises to strengthen the campaign’s outreach.
He also highlighted the role of the Ni-Kshay Mitra Programme in supporting TB patients through nutritional and social assistance, calling it a key pillar in ensuring successful recovery.
Key Highlights of the Event
During the programme, the Lieutenant Governor flagged off Ni-Kshay vehicles and distributed Poshan kits to beneficiaries. Awards for TB Mukt Panchayats were presented to Doda and Srinagar districts.
A Ni-Kshay pledge was administered, and Ni-Kshay Mitras were felicitated for their contribution to the cause.
Senior officials including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Principal Secretary to LG Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Commissioner Secretary Health M. Raju, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, and Mission Director NHM Akriti Sagar were present, along with medical professionals, social organisations, and youth participants.
Commitment to a TB-Free Future
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment, the Lieutenant Governor said, “No man, woman or child in Jammu and Kashmir should lose their future to TB. Every life is precious, and no patient will go unsupported.”
The campaign marks a significant step towards achieving the goal of a TB-free India, with Jammu and Kashmir aiming to lead by example through collective action and sustained efforts.
