Setting a goal to make Chandigarh Tuberculosis (TB)-free by 2024, Adviser to Administrator, Dr. Dharam Pal, today entrusted upon all stakeholders the task of eliminating TB from Chandigarh, with a comprehensive approach encompassing sensitization, organizing camps, adherence to the treatment and stigma reduction.
While chairing an important meeting of the State TB cell of the health department, the Advisor took this momentous step towards combating Tuberculosis (TB) in the UT. He said that the collaboration between all the stakeholders will spearhead a dedicated campaign in every sector of the UT.
He said that under the TB-free Chandigarh campaign, all stakeholders will make people aware of the TB disease in their respective areas and assist the department in identifying the affected persons for ensuring their early treatment and reducing stigma associated with the disease to encourage more people to seek a diagnosis. All the stakeholder will be actively involved in conducting camps, workshops, awareness drives and educational programs in schools and colleges to disseminate information about the causes, symptoms and nearby treatment facilities of TB. Special focus will be given to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease.
The Adviser also assured support to the program from the state at all possible levels which includes diagnostic, community engagement, treatment services, and social support to all diagnosed TB patients and their families and also expressed the need for support from medical and paediatric associations, NGOs, other departments from health and administration so as to make this program a roaring success.
Under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, he has made a clarion call to everyone in the UT to come forward and support the TB patients and their families and help the Government in achieving the target of TB Elimination by 2024 and providing a healthier and prosperous future for all people. Nikshay Mitra initiative where the community supports the TB patients with much needed nutritional and social support and helps them to live a normal life.
Advisor to Administrator encouraged elected representative, Corporates, NGOs and individuals to come forward as donors/ sponsors to help the patient recovering from the disease.
Meeting was attended by Dr. Suman Singh, MD- NHM cum DHS, Chandigarh, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, State TB Officer, Dr. Pooja Kapoor, WHO Consultant and representatives from Rotary International, Mid Town.
