Guwahati: With a view to eradicating tuberculosis (TB) in Assam by 2025, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated a ‘100-day TB elimination campaign’ at the GMCH auditorium on Saturday, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of a TB-free India by 2025.
The campaign will focus on 17 high-priority districts. It will include activities such as high-burden area mapping, identification of vulnerable populations in tea gardens, slums, and mining areas, extensive screening campaigns (Nikshay Shibirs), and promoting Jan Bhaghidari (public participation) to mobilize resources and raise awareness.
Speaking during the event at GMCH, Governor Acharya emphasized the socio-economic burden of TB, particularly affecting the poor.
He called for community-driven efforts to ensure the success of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) and make it a model for other states.
The Governor also highlighted Assam‘s innovative measures, such as integrating TB services into Health and Wellness Centres, providing specialized care in tea gardens, TB detection through boat clinics in char areas, early identification and management of TB among pregnant women.
The Governor also lauded the Ni-kshay Mitra campaign under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which has seen significant corporate and public sector participation. With over 8,200 Ni-kshay Mitras registered, organizations like OIL India, ONGC, GAIL India, and Power Grid Corporation of India are providing crucial support to TB patients.
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He said that the patients who have been treated successfully with TB germs will act as TB Champions during this campaign.
He expressed optimism in Assam’s ability to lead TB elimination efforts in the Northeast. “Together, we can and will end TB. Assam will set an example in this fight against tuberculosis,” stated.
