Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh): Additional Deputy Commissioner Kangra, Vinay Kumar, emphasized that coordinated efforts and active public participation are essential to achieving the goal of a TB-Free India. He stated that collective responsibility and collaboration among departments, institutions, and citizens remain the strongest pillars of the tuberculosis elimination campaign.
He was presiding over a meeting of the Multi-Sectoral TB-Free India Campaign and the District Tuberculosis Elimination Committee held at the auditorium of Zonal Hospital Dharamshala. During the meeting, officials reviewed ongoing TB elimination activities and discussed future strategies in detail.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner directed all departments to work in coordination under a target-based action plan and continue sustained efforts to achieve the goal of a TB-Free Kangra at the earliest.
Providing key updates, Vinay Kumar informed that AI-based assessment has identified 969 high-risk villages and wards in the district where targeted screening campaigns are currently underway. So far, screening of over 1.56 lakh people from vulnerable populations has been completed, while examinations of remaining individuals are ongoing. A total of 287 panchayats in Kangra district have already been declared TB-free.
He further highlighted that more than 400 TB Champions are actively working in the district to spread awareness and encourage community participation. He urged these volunteers to motivate more people to join the campaign.
Officials stated that upfront NAAT testing based on ten symptoms and X-ray-based screening for vulnerable populations have been adopted as key strategies. Special focus is also being given to 100 percent TB case notification, contact tracing, and TB Preventive Treatment (TPT).
District Health Officer Dr. R.K. Sood informed that Kangra district is implementing the TB-Free India Campaign 2.0 through a community participation model, which has also received appreciation at the NITI Aayog level. Modern technologies, including handheld portable X-ray machines and NAAT testing devices, are being used to ensure rapid diagnosis. He also emphasized that proper nutrition plays a crucial role in the recovery of TB patients.
The meeting discussed strengthening coordination among Panchayati Raj institutions, urban bodies, education, AYUSH, women and child development, industry, transport departments, and social organizations. Special awareness and screening drives will also be conducted in slum areas, construction sites, transport hubs, migrant worker communities, and other vulnerable groups.
During the event, several institutions and individuals were honored for their outstanding contribution to TB awareness and elimination efforts. Among those recognized were Dr. Urmil Kapoor, artist Harsh Dhiman, Vivekanand Nursing College Palampur, Netaji Subhash College of Nursing, Satyam College of Nursing, ITI Badoh, and student Yajat Gupta of Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, who pledged to become a Nikshay Mitra on his ninth birthday.
Other awardees included Jyoti Rana (Dehra), Pooja Dogra (Nagrota Bagwan), Sapna Devi (Dharamshala), TB Champions Antima Guleriya and Neena Devi, along with members of the health department team and volunteers for their remarkable contributions.
Under the Nikshay Mitra scheme, nutrition kits were also distributed to TB patients, promoting community involvement and patient support.
Senior officials including Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vivek Karol, MS Dr. Anuradha, District Development Officer Bhanu Pratap Singh, District Welfare Officer Sahil Mandla, District Language Officer Amit Guleri, Punjab National Bank LDM Ranveer Prithvi, and WHO representative Dr. Nikesh were present at the meeting along with representatives from various departments.
