100-Day TB-Free India Campaign Launched Under Ni-Kshay Initiative
Bishalgarh, December 9, 2024: In a major move to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) from the state, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha inaugurated the 100-Day TB-Free India Campaign at the New Town Hall in Bishalgarh today. The campaign aims to create awareness, ensure timely diagnosis, and provide effective treatment to eliminate TB.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized the role of public awareness in preventing TB. “Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease that spreads quickly if not treated on time. Early detection, nutritional support, and proper medical intervention are critical to achieving a TB-free society. Awareness remains the most powerful tool in this fight,” he stated.
The Chief Minister also called on schools, gram panchayats, and local bodies to hold weekly awareness programs focusing on TB prevention alongside addressing issues like child marriage and teenage pregnancy. He highlighted the state’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure with support from the central government.
As part of the PM-Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana, 92% of TB patients in the state receive ₹1,000 per month as nutritional support. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the campaign would play a pivotal role in raising awareness and curbing the disease’s spread.
Launch of Ni-Kshay Bahon:
The Chief Minister flagged off the “Ni-Kshay Bahon” van, a mobile unit designed to provide doorstep TB testing and treatment for those unable to visit hospitals.
Recognition and Awards:
At the event, certificates were awarded to 62 gram panchayats in Sepahijala district for achieving TB-free status. Several individuals and institutions were recognized for their contributions to the TB eradication effort:
• MLA Sushanta Chowdhury
• Health Secretary Kiran Gitte
• Director of Health Services Dr. Sanjib Debbarma
• Director of Health Education Dr. H.P. Sharma
• NHM Mission Director Dr. Samit Roy Choudhury
Three ASHA workers and five sub-health centers were also honored for their outstanding contributions. The Chief Minister presented the awards and distributed nutritious food packets to families of three TB patients.
A Collective Pledge:
The program included a pledge-taking ceremony to focus on eradicating TB and preventing social issues like child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
Dignitaries in Attendance:
The event was attended by Sepahijala Zilla Parishad Chairperson Supriya Das Dutta, MLA Tofajjal Hossain, Sepahijala District Magistrate Dr. Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal, SP B.J. Reddy, Bishalgarh Municipal Council Chairperson Anjan Purkayastha, Bishalgarh Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Atashi Das, State TB Officer Dr. Nupur Debbarma, and Chief Medical Officer of Sepahijala Dr. Debashis Das, among others.
