Central Warehousing Corporation adopts TB patients in Chamba dist

In a major step towards achieving a TB-free Chamba, the Central Warehousing Corporation has adopted tuberculosis patients under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative as part of the government’s “Ni-Kshay Mitra” programme. The move aims to provide free nutritional support to all TB patients in the district for the next one year.

With this Chamba district has now become the first district in Himachal Pradesh to ensure 100% nutritional support coverage for TB patients, said Chief Medical Officer Dr Bipen Thakur.

The CMO said the proposal to adopt TB patients under the CSR framework was submitted to the Central Warehousing Corporation and has now received official approval. The initiative focuses on eliminating malnutrition among economically weak TB patients, a critical factor in their recovery.

Dr Thakur highlighted that TB treatment typically lasts around six months, during which a balanced and nutritious diet is vital to strengthen immunity and fight the infection effectively. “This partnership will significantly boost our mission to make Chamba TB-free. We’ve been striving to enhance community participation and identify Ni-Kshay Mitras to support TB patients in recent times,” Dr Thakur added.

The programme is expected to not only accelerate recovery for TB patients but also serve as a model for other districts aiming to tackle the disease through community-driven health support.

The Chamba Health Department under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) in Chamba, is actively working to detect and treat tuberculosis (TB) cases. A key component of this effort involves TB screening camps targeting high-risk populations, including the elderly, diabetics, smokers, and those with a history of TB treatment. These camps are conducted by Community Health Officers (CHOs) and ASHA workers, with lists of high-risk individuals available at the respective health facilities.

Dr Thakur said that public participation is also very essential to prevent deaths caused by tuberculosis. Under the TB-Free India Campaign, any individual—be it an employee, community leader, or businessperson—or organisation can adopt TB patients and their families, providing them with nutritional support for the duration of their six-month treatment.

He appealed to the residents of the district to register as Ni-Kshay Mitras through the online portal.