Baramulla, April 29, KDC: Baramulla district marked a major achievement in its fight against tuberculosis, as 242 out of 402 panchayats were declared ‘TB Mukt Panchayat 2024’ under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP).
Of these, 106 panchayats gained silver status and 136 got bronze status in the recognition of TB detection, treatment and community engagement.
The milestone was celebrated at a special award ceremony organized by the District Tuberculosis Control Society Baramullah under the aegis of the State TB Cell of the Directorate of Health Service Kashmir at Duck Bungalow Baramulla.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramullah, Minga Sherpa, who presided over the ceremony, appreciated the tireless efforts of region-level officials, health workers and volunteers in obtaining this public health milestone.
He said that despite the difficult terrain and scattered population, health teams worked with dedication to ensure initial detection of TB cases and to ensure treatment, contributing significantly to the national goal.
He added, “Today’s recognition reflects the strong collective resolution of our district to eliminate tuberculosis. I am hopeful that by 2025, the remaining panchayats will also achieve TB
The DC also emphasized the importance of community participation for TB patients for the post of Nikasha, under the Nikshara Nutrition Scheme, which also emphasized the importance of supporting and nutritional support.
Chief Medical Officer Baramulla, Dr. Mastora Iqbal congratulated the health department teams for their remarkable performance. He called for coordination between field workers, Ashus and TB program staff, and continued vigilance in ensuring the discovery of active case, contact transportation and treatment of treatment.
“TB is stopped and treated, and with constant community-level engagement, we can make TB a disease of past,” he said.
District tuberculosis officer and other senior officials shared data-powered insight, best practices and roadmap for 2025.
The ceremony ended with hooliganism of officers and frontline health workers, whose contribution made the achievement possible.
Medical Superintendent GMC Baramullah, Dr. Parviz Ahmed, District Tuberculosis Officer, Dr. Hafazullah Ghani, BMO, various medical blocks, front-line health workers, representatives of PRI and representatives of other officials associated with TB control program were included. (KDC)