Kangra unites to end TB

In a determined stride towards eliminating tuberculosis (TB), the District Tuberculosis Prevention Committee and District TB Forum convened a key review meeting on Monday at the Zonal Hospital, Dharamsala, under the ambit of the TB-Free India Campaign. The session was chaired by Kangra Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Shilpi Bekta and organised by the Health & Family Welfare Department.

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Welcoming the attendees, District Health Officer and Tuberculosis Programme Officer Dr Rajesh Sood emphasised the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in eradicating TB. He highlighted the symbolism of the Red Arrow, which represents the global fight against TB and encouraged health workers to pledge their dedication by taking the ‘Nishchay’ oath under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme.

ADM Shilpi Bekta launched a new awareness poster focused on proper sputum collection, a crucial step for accurate TB diagnosis. She also felicitated TB awareness champions Antima Guleria and Sunil Kaundal for their outstanding contributions to public health.

Dr Sood said under the ongoing Intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, over 2.6 lakh people have been screened in Kangra district, with 82,200 chest X-rays conducted. The campaign has prioritised high-risk groups, including the elderly, diabetics and individuals with compromised immunity.

Moving forward, community health workers will conduct bi-weekly visits to monitor TB patients and ensure adherence to treatment protocols. ADM Bekta called for stronger interdepartmental coordination and encouraged citizens to become Nikshay Mitras — volunteers who support TB patients with nutrition, care and motivation.