TB survivor Praveena shares her journey at Ladhbadhol meeting

Joginder Nagar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manish Chaudhary emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts across departments and community participation to achieve the goal of a tuberculosis (TB)-free panchayats in the Ladhbadhol health block.

Chairing a TB eradication committee meeting at the Ladhbadhol block on Saturday, the SDM said 10 out of the 42 panchayats in the block had already been declared TB-free. He urged the remaining panchayats to work collectively to eliminate TB through awareness and public participation.

During the meeting, Chaudhary highlighted the significance of creating awareness about the symptoms and prevention of TB among the rural population.

He specifically pointed out symptoms such as persistent cough, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever and chest pain, urging people to seek medical advice immediately if these symptoms persisted.

He also talked about the establishment of CB-NAAT machines at Joginder Nagar and Ladhbadhol civil hospitals to ensure prompt diagnosis, with results available within two hours.

He reiterated that treatment for TB was possible, and, with regular medication, patients could fully recover.

The SDM also provided an update on the financial assistance provided under the Chief Minister’s TB Welfare Scheme, noting that patients could now receive Rs 1,000 per month for nutritional support, up from the previously allotted Rs 500.

Transportation allowances for MRI and CT scans were also being provided, he added. In 2023-24, MDR TB patients in the area received financial aid amounting to Rs 27,000, with Rs 33,000 allocated in 2024-25.

The SDM encouraged community involvement in TB eradication by promoting the Nikshay Mitra scheme, where individuals or institutions could sponsor TB patients by providing nutritional kits and emotional support.

To date, 35 Nikshay Mitras have been registered in Ladhbadhol, with 21 actively supporting patients.

TB champion Praveena, a survivor from the Padhar subdivision, shared her personal journey of overcoming TB and encouraged others to seek timely treatment, stressing that TB was not an incurable disease.

The meeting also included remarks from key officials, including Ladhbadhol BMO Dr Lal Singh, Senior Medical Officer Dr Roshan Lal Kaundal and other department heads. They pledged to continue working together to achieve a TB-free future for the region.