66 gram panchayats declared TB-free in Karnal district

Sixty-six gram panchayats in Karnal district have been declared tuberculosis (TB)-free by the Health Department based on six key indicators. This step has been initiated under the TB-Free India campaign, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24, 2023.

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Sharing details, Dr Simmi Kapoor, Deputy Civil Surgeon, said a state-level team conducted a thorough assessment of these panchayats in March. The selected gram panchayats were honoured by Additional Deputy Commissioner Yash Jaluka last week. Out of the 66 gram panchayats, 14 received the silver statue of Mahatma Gandhi with appreciation certificate for being recognised as TB-free for the second time, while 52 panchayats were honoured with the bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi and certificates for achieving TB-free status for the first time.

Among these 66 gram panchayats, 11 each are from the Chirao and Indri blocks, 10 from Assandh block, seven from Nissing, five from Nilokheri, three from Kunjpura, two each from Gharaunda and Munak, and one from Karnal. Of the 14 panchayats identified for the second-time recognition, six are from Indri, and eight were from Nilokheri, she added.

“Our focus is on eliminating TB from society by actively identifying patients and providing them with timely treatment,” she said.

Explaining the award categories, she said a gram panchayat must meet the required conditions for one year to qualify for the TB-Free Gram Panchayat award. Panchayats that maintain these conditions for two consecutive years receive the silver award, while those sustaining them for three years are honoured with the gold award. The awards include a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi for first-time recipients, a silver statue for those awarded twice and a gold statue for those recognised three times.

A gram panchayat is declared TB-free when it meets specific criteria, including at least 30 sputum samples collected per 1,000 population annually, fewer than one TB patient per 1,000 people, a treatment success rate of 85 per cent or higher, at least 60 per cent of patients undergoing CBNAAT or True NAAT testing, 100 per cent distribution of funds under the ‘Nikshay Poshan’ scheme, distribution of nutrition kits to TB patients.

Dr Kapoor emphasised that TB was a serious disease that must be eliminated through continuous efforts. She highlighted the Nikshay Mitra Yojana, launched by the Government of India under the ‘TB-Free India’ initiative. Under this scheme, citizens, NGOs, corporate organisations and public representatives can contribute by adopting TB patients and providing them with monthly nutrition kits to TB patients for their recovery.

She urged the public to become Nikshay Mitras and support TB patients in their fight against the disease.