Nikshay Vehicle flagged off from DC’s office in Keylong
The 100-day nationwide TB elimination campaign commenced in the tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti under the National TB Eradication Programme on Saturday.
The campaign was officially launched by District Council Chairperson Bina Devi, who flagged off the Nikshay Vehicle from the premises of the Deputy Commissioner’s office at Keylong.
The vehicle will travel to various parts of the district to raise awareness about tuberculosis, and organise screening camps for high-risk individuals.
A total of 7,374 individuals from 16 high-risk categories will be screened, including people above 60 years of age, those suffering from diabetes, smokers, underweight individuals under 18 years, people who have recovered from TB in the last five years, as well as inmates, residents of orphanages, old age homes, and students in residential schools.
The aim is to identify TB patients and provide free treatment in a bid to make the district TB-free by 2025.
Bina Devi urged the public to actively participate in the campaign and voluntarily undergo screenings.
She emphasised that tuberculosis was not an incurable disease, and could be fully treated with regular medical care, guidance and a nutritious diet.
Government hospitals provided free treatment and nutritional support worth Rs 1,000 per month for TB patients, she added.
During the event, Bina Devi honoured former TB patients — now recovered and serving as TB Champions — Pemba and Dekit Palmon with traditional scarves.
The attendees were also encouraged to take an oath to contribute toward spreading awareness about tuberculosis in the district.
The event was attended by Block Development Officer Vivek Guleriya, District Programme Officer Sanjay Dogra, District Panchayat Officer Sachin, District Tuberculosis Officer Dr Jagdish Chand, Block Medical Officer Dr Ram Singh, and Health Department staff.
Mandi launches campaign
In Mandi district, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rohit Rathour launched the TB Free India campaign today. He was accompanied by Mandi Chief Medical Officer Dr Narender Bhardwaj and other medical staff.
