Bareilly: A 100-day intensive tuberculosis (TB) eradication campaign was launched in Bareilly on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme. The event was held at the Collectorate auditorium under the chairmanship of District Magistrate Avinash Singh, in the presence of Dr. Raghvendra Sharma.
The campaign was virtually inaugurated by Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers J. P. Nadda, with a live broadcast viewed by attendees.
Recognition and Support Initiatives
During the programme, nutritional kits were distributed to adopted TB patients by district officials. In a significant recognition effort, gram pradhans of 47 TB-free village councils were honoured with statues of Mahatma Gandhi and certificates. Among them, 39 were awarded in the bronze category, six in silver, and two in gold.
Awareness on Treatment and Prevention
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Raghvendra Sharma emphasized that TB is a completely curable disease if patients follow the full course of treatment without interruption. He also highlighted that TB affecting organs other than the lungs does not spread from person to person. He urged people to maintain hygiene, avoid spitting in public places, and adopt a nutritious, protein-rich diet.
District Magistrate Avinash Singh congratulated the village heads for their contribution towards making their पंचायतs TB-free and reiterated the government’s vision of a TB-free India. He noted that while TB was once considered a widespread epidemic, significant progress has been made through collective efforts.
Screening and Preventive Measures
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vishram Singh informed that the campaign will focus on screening high-risk groups, including the elderly, previously treated patients, close contacts of TB patients, malnourished individuals, smokers, substance users, diabetics, and residents of high-risk areas. Individuals showing symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, weight loss, chest pain, or breathing difficulty will undergo testing.
Confirmed patients will receive anti-TB treatment, while those at risk but not diagnosed will be provided preventive therapy.
Criteria for TB-Free Status
Officials also outlined the criteria set by the Government of India for declaring a village TB-free, including adequate testing rates, low infection prevalence, high treatment success rates, and nutritional support coverage under government schemes.
The event was attended by Chief Development Officer Devayani, senior health officials, district पंचायत representatives, and TB patients.
The campaign marks a renewed push towards eliminating tuberculosis, reinforcing the message that sustained awareness, timely diagnosis, and uninterrupted treatment are key to achieving a TB-free nation.
