Notable achievement: 20 Lahaul-Spiti panchayats declared TB-free

Tribune News Service

Mandi, August 31

In a notable achievement, 20 of the total 45 panchayats in Lahaul and Spiti district have been declared free of tuberculosis (TB).

Dr Roshan Lal, Chief Medical Officer of the district, gave information about the accomplishment and provided an update on the current TB situation. According to him, there are 20 TB patients in the Gondhla health block and 25 in the Kaza health block, totalling 45 in the district. Additionally, the district is supported by 50 Nixay Mitras (TB patient supporters).

Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul and Spiti, Rahul Kumar, chaired a District TB Forum meeting yesterday and discussed the ongoing efforts and future strategies to combat the disease. The meeting underscored the progress made and the continuous need for dedicated efforts to tackle the disease.

The Deputy Commissioner said that TB though a serious disease could be treated. He stressed the importance of making the public aware about the TB and its treatment options. He urged Health Department officials and members of the TB Forum to participate actively in the TB eradication campaigns and called for increased community engagement and education to further advance the initiative.

The Deputy Commissioner also encouraged the forum members to consider becoming Nixay Mitras to bolster the campaign’s effectiveness. By increasing the participation and support of the community, the district aims to accelerate its drive towards achieving a TB-free status throughout the entire region.