Rain or shine: Kangra’s health workers battle TB with unwavering dedication

Notwithstanding incessant rain following a red alert, the Fatehpur Health Block in Kangra district successfully organised a Nikshay Shivir at the Health Centre in Barot-Bhanal under the National TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The camp, which concluded at midnight on Tuesday, has been described as the largest of its kind ever held in Himachal Pradesh.

According to Dr Richa Mehrotra, Block Medical Officer, Fatehpur, a total of 581 suspected TB patients were screened using handheld X-ray machines. Of these, 52 individuals were identified with positive symptoms and were immediately linked to counselling, clinical testing and medical treatment.

Dr Mehrotra said the camp marked a milestone in the state’s fight against tuberculosis, both in terms of scale and effectiveness. Health Department officials also confirmed that such a large-scale screening of suspected patients under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan had never been organised before in Himachal Pradesh.

Significantly, the shivir witnessed active participation not only from the health department team but also from local elected representatives of gram panchayats and members of the community, ensuring widespread outreach and awareness.