Chandigarh, August 5: The Government of India has set an ambitious target to make the country tuberculosis (TB) free by 2025. Achieving this goal requires the active involvement and cooperation of all departments and institutions. In this regard, it is essential for all departments and institutions under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to actively participate in TB awareness and elimination activities. In line with this national objective, Haryana has launched a new campaign to ensure that all departments and institutions under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs actively participate in TB awareness and elimination activities. This initiative marks a significant step toward making both Haryana and India TB free.
As part of this initiative, a team from the Haryana State TB Cell met with Mayor Panchkula Sh Kulbhushan Goyal and the councilors. The team included Dr. Sandeep Chhabra, District TB Officer, Panchkula; Dr. Sukhwant Singh, WHO Consultant; Dr. Sharanjot Singh, Medical Officer; and Ms. Lalita, District Program Coordinator.
They briefed the Mayor and councilors about the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) and highlighted how the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs can contribute to the goal of a TB-free India. The collaboration between NTEP and the Ministry is expected to provide fresh momentum to the national TB elimination campaign, further strengthening efforts to combat the disease.
They further informed that awareness programs will be conducted in urban slums and densely populated areas to promote TB prevention. Active case finding will be carried out through health check-up camps and door-to-door surveys. To ensure community participation, local urban bodies such as Municipal Corporations will be actively involved, strengthening TB control efforts at the grassroots level. Additionally, all institutions under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs including offices, government and autonomous bodies, and public sector undertakings (PSUs) will be engaged in TB awareness and elimination activities.
Additionally, posters and materials on TB prevention, testing, and treatment will be displayed in all offices. Urban bodies such as Municipal Corporations and Municipalities will carry out continuous TB awareness campaigns within their jurisdictions. All employees will be educated about the symptoms of TB, its modes of transmission, and the availability of free treatment facilities. TB-related messages will also be disseminated through the social media handles of the Ministry and its affiliated institutions. ‘Nikshay Mitras’ will be appointed in all offices under the Ministry. These volunteers will adopt TB patients and support them throughout their treatment journey. This initiative by the state of Haryana will significantly strengthen the fight against TB and move us closer to the goal of a TB-free Haryana and a TB-free India.
