100-day TB eradication programme begins
As part of the “TB-free India campaign,” a 100-day TB eradication programme was launched today at the Civil Hospital, Kapurthala. The campaign was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal and Civil Surgeon Dr Richa Bhatia, who administered a pledge to the attendees to spread awareness about tuberculosis (TB).
Deputy Commissioner Panchal emphasised the need for collective efforts to eliminate TB at its root. He urged citizens to support the Health Department in making this campaign a success.
Civil Surgeon Dr Richa Bhatia highlighted the objectives of the campaign, which will run from December 7 to March 2025. The Health Department will conduct a door-to-door drive to identify TB patients and ensure their immediate treatment.
Dr Meenakshi, District TB Officer, explained that special attention will be given to vulnerable groups, including residents of slum areas, elderly individuals in old-age homes, patients with pre-existing conditions and labourers.
To further bolster the campaign, Deputy Commissioner Panchal flagged off an awareness van equipped with a medical officer and lab technician. This vehicle will travel across the district to identify potential TB cases and refer them to government hospitals for treatment. In addition to identifying patients, the vehicle will also educate the public on TB prevention.
The launch event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Varinderpal Singh Bajwa, SP Headquarters Gurpreet Singh Gill, Assistant Civil Surgeon Dr Anu Sharma, District Health Officer Dr Rajeev Parashar, District Immunisation Officer Dr Randeep Singh, Dr Parminder Kaur, Deputy Mass Media Officer Sharandeep Singh, and other officials and Health Department staff.
Dr Richa Bhatia appealed to citizens to become “Nikshay Mitras” by adopting TB patients and supporting their nutritional needs. Under this initiative, patients are provided with essential ration and care. Dr Bhatia herself pledged to support 11 patients, while other programme officials committed to assisting two patients each.
The campaign aims not only to identify and treat TB patients but also to enhance awareness about the disease among the public.
