Dharamsala MC focuses on inclusive health initiatives

In a significant step towards a sustainable, inclusive and citizen-driven urban future, the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation on organised a special event themed “Healthy Dharamsala MC and Smart City.” The initiative reaffirmed the city’s commitment to integrated urban development, public health advancement and community participation.

The event was presided over by Mayor Neenu Sharma, in the presence of Deputy Mayor Tejinder Kaur, Commissioner Jaffer Iqbal, former Mayor Devinder Singh Jaggi, District Health Officer Dr Rajesh Sood and senior officials from the health department.

Addressing the gathering, Mayor Neenu Sharma emphasised the urgent need to integrate urban-specific health interventions, noting that most public health programmes are still heavily rural-focused. “Urban populations face unique health challenges. It’s time we address these systematically,” she said.

Dr Anuradha, a Medical Officer, provided an overview of ongoing health initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, non-communicable disease screening, the Nikshay portal for TB monitoring, routine immunisation drives and maternal and child health programmes. She led an interactive session with Municipal Councillors, encouraging them to bridge last-mile gaps and promote community awareness.

District Health Officer Dr Rajesh Sood elaborated on the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, stressing the importance of removing stigma, ensuring early diagnosis and completing treatment. He also explained the Nikshay Mitra initiative, which enables individuals, organisations and elected representatives to “adopt” and support TB patients through nutritional and psychosocial care.

Dr Sood also announced a schedule of health camps to be conducted across municipal wards from August 2 to August 30, aimed at improving health access and screening in all parts of the city.

Mayor Sharma urged councillors to actively mobilise citizens, especially vulnerable groups, to benefit from health schemes and attend the upcoming health camps. “Elected representatives are the key to connecting residents with these essential services,” she said, calling on all stakeholders to support the Nikshay Mitra initiative for compassionate, community-led TB care.

Commissioner Jaffer Iqbal underlined the need to bolster grassroots health systems, particularly in urban slums and underserved areas where access to quality care remains limited.

Deputy Mayor Tejinder Kaur called for the creation of a comprehensive health database for Dharamsala residents and the identification of high-disease-burden zones to guide targeted interventions. “Every councillor must act as a health ambassador in their ward,” she emphasised, “ensuring that no eligible citizen is left out of the health system.”

The event concluded with a collective pledge by councillors, health officials and municipal authorities to work hand in hand toward a healthier, more equitable Dharamsala — one that leaves no citizen behind.