9 Mandi panchayats become TB-free

Nine panchayats of the Bagsyad block in Mandi district were honoured yesterday for becoming tuberculosis (TB)-free under the ongoing ‘TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ (TB-Free India Campaign).

The recognition ceremony was held in Gohar where SDM Laxman Kanet awarded the representatives of these panchayats for their success in eradicating TB from their respective areas.

During the event, the SDM announced that a total of nine panchayats from Bagsyad block had achieved TB-free status. Of these, Seri and Nehra panchayats were awarded under the silver category. Killing, Shilhanu, Lot, Gawad, Anah, Kharsi and Gharot-Musarani panchayats were recognised in the bronze category.

Explaining the evaluation process, he mentioned that the Health Department conducts 30 tests per 1,000 people in each panchayat as part of its surveillance efforts. Based on the test results, the panchayats are categorised and declared TB-free accordingly.

Block Medical Officer Dr Rakesh Roshan Bhardwaj gave a detailed overview of tuberculosis, its modes of transmission, symptoms and treatment protocols. He emphasised the importance of community awareness and early detection in controlling the disease. He also urged panchayat representatives to spread awareness within their communities and to support TB patients through local ASHA workers by ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment availability.

Dr Bhardwaj further appealed for active efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with TB encouraging community leaders to advocate for compassion and support for patients undergoing treatment. The event was also attended by Civil Medical Officer Gohar, Dr Ravinder Thakur, and representatives from the panchayats recognised under the TB-free initiative.