Lucknow: Taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘TB-Free India’, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched an innovative initiative, appointing retired IAS and IPS officers, former vice-chancellors, academicians, and other senior citizens as ‘Nikshay Mitras’. These senior citizens will play a pivotal role in raising awareness and supporting efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) in the state.
In a special meeting on Thursday, CM Yogi briefed the participants about the TB-Free Uttar Pradesh campaign, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to achieve this goal.
Call for Collaboration
Welcoming the retired bureaucrats and academicians, the Chief Minister explained the Prime Minister’s mission of eradicating TB by 2025, ahead of the World Health Organization’s global target of 2030. Adityanath stressed that a healthy India leads to a capable and strong India, making TB elimination in Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state, a national priority.
Progress in TB Elimination
Highlighting the state’s achievements, Adityanath revealed that:
- TB patient testing in Uttar Pradesh has increased fourfold in recent years.
- The number of NET and X-ray machines has grown significantly.
- The TB treatment success rate in the state has improved from 79% to 92% over four years.
- Through the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, ₹775 crore has been disbursed directly to the bank accounts of 27 lakh TB patients.
To prevent TB among close contacts of TB patients, preventive treatments are being provided. Additionally, 45,000+ Nikshay Mitras have adopted TB patients, and 1,372 gram panchayats in Uttar Pradesh have been declared TB-free.
Role of Nikshay Mitras
Adityanath appealed to the retired officials and academicians to leverage their experience and contribute to this national mission. He emphasized that no TB patient should be left untreated, and every identified patient must receive proper medical care, additional nutritional support, and continuous assistance from a Nikshay Mitra. He urged the participants to:
- Adopt TB patients, ensuring they receive adequate treatment and support.
- Facilitate testing and medical advice for family members of TB patients.
- Encourage society to respect and support TB patients as an integral part of the community.
Commitment to TB Elimination
The Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s dedication to eliminating TB, underlining the importance of community involvement in achieving this goal. He urged all stakeholders to take a collective pledge to make Uttar Pradesh TB-free.
A United Effort
Participants at the meeting expressed gratitude for the CM’s call to action and pledged their support for the campaign. The Chief Minister concluded the session by extending New Year’s greetings and calling for a renewed commitment to the state’s development and public welfare initiatives.
This innovative approach by the Uttar Pradesh government showcases the potential of community involvement and experienced leadership in tackling one of India’s most pressing health challenges.
