UT Chandigarh Secretariat Hosts Ni-Kshay Shivir: A Step Towards Accelerating TB Elimination
The UT Chandigarh Secretariat, Sector 9, organised a comprehensive Ni-Kshay Shivir on Monday, 20th Jan 2025 aimed at boosting awareness and facilitating early detection of tuberculosis (TB). The camp offered essential diagnostic services, including CBNAAT, CY-TB tests, and chest X-ray (CXR) services.
Highlighting the significance of the Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative, UT Chandigarh Chief Secretary, Shri Rajeev Verma emphasised the critical role of early TB detection and the need for collective efforts to combat this public health challenge. Health Secretary, Shri Ajay Chagti explained the importance of becoming a Ni-Kshay Mitra, urging participants to adopt TB patients and provide nutritional support. He also led a pledge against TB, with all attendees joining him in reaffirming their commitment to eliminating the disease. Director Health cum Mission Director NHM, Dr Suman Singh emphasised how important it is to screen members of the vulnerable group to stop TB transmission.
The Ni-Kshay Mitra program enables individuals, groups, and organisations to support TB patients by offering monthly food baskets containing high-protein diets. These contributions are crucial for patient care and recovery. Benefactors commit to a minimum of six months and can extend support for up to three years. The camp witnessed individuals who pledged their allegiance to help TB patients.
This initiative underscores Chandigarh’s commitment to achieving TB elimination through active community involvement and strengthened health interventions.
The event witnessed many enthusiastic employees of the UT Secretariat, Police Department and Chandigarh Housing Board who underwent TB screening as part of the camp. Key attendees included Dr. Rajesh K. Rana, State TB Officer, Dr. Maneer Mohd, MO-STC, Dr Upasana, UAAM-9, Ms. Aakanksha Dutta, Consultant-ICMR, Dr Priyanka, TB/HIV Coordinator and other health staff.
