Chhattisgarh Receives National Recognition on World TB Day

Ranks First in the Country for Outstanding Achievement in the TB-Free Gram Panchayat Campaign

Raipur : On the occasion of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, Chhattisgarh was honored with the first prize at the National Ceremony organized by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The state received this recognition for its outstanding performance in the “TB-Free Gram Panchayat Campaign”, securing the top position among states with a population of over 5 million in terms of the highest proportion of TB-free gram panchayats.

The event was presided over by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri J.P. Nadda. It was attended by health secretaries, National Health Mission directors, state TB officers, representatives from various ministries, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

On behalf of Chhattisgarh, the award was received by Vijay Dayaram K., Director of the National Health Mission. Union Minister J.P. Nadda highly praised the efforts of the Chhattisgarh government, stating that the state had set an exemplary model for achieving the goal of a TB-free panchayat.

It is noteworthy that the Government of India conceptualized the “TB-Free Gram Panchayat” initiative in 2023. In the very first year, Chhattisgarh declared 2,260 panchayats TB-free, and by 2024, this number increased to 4,102 panchayats, making it the highest proportion in the country.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his happiness over this national recognition and congratulated all officials and staff of the health department. Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal extended his congratulations to everyone associated with the campaign. Health Secretary Amit Kataria instructed that all suspected TB patients identified during the 100-day campaign should undergo X-ray and NAAT testing on priority, ensuring immediate registration and treatment, along with support from the Nikshay Poshan Yojana and Nikshay Mitras.

‘Nikshay Niramay Chhattisgarh’ Becomes a Mass Movement

Launched on December 7, 2024, the 100-day ‘Nikshay Niramay Chhattisgarh’ campaign significantly enhanced TB identification, treatment, and community participation at the grassroots level. On this occasion, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai urged all sections of society—industries, corporates, NGOs, and the general public—to adopt TB patients. Following this appeal, the number of Nikshay Mitras (supporters of TB patients) increased to 13,422, who have so far provided nutritional and other assistance to 26,039 TB patients across the state.