Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, Chhattisgarh is on a rapid pace towards elimination of serious illness like TB. Keeping in mind the goal of making India TB free by 2025, a strong and planned action plan is being implemented by preparing a strong and planned action plan.
On 7 December 2024, ‘Nikashaya-Niramya Chhattisgarh-100-day campaign’ was launched under the guidance of Chief Minister Sai and Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal. Its purpose was to wage a decisive battle against TB in the state at the ground level. During this period, high-risk persons were identified from door to door across the state, who were listed for investigation with modern techniques.
Under the campaign, till now more than 36 lakh citizens have been screened, 4.5 lakh X-ray checks and more than 1.5 lakh people have been investigated through state-of-the-art ‘Not Machine’. This comprehensive testing system proved to be extremely effective in quick identification and quick treatment of TB.
Public participation became the key to success
Public participation also played an important role in the success of this historical initiative. The Governor, Chief Minister and Health Minister himself adopted TB patients as ‘Dhikya Mitra’ and assisted them for nutritious food. So far, more than 15,000 new merit friends have been registered, who have provided nutrition assistance to more than 34,000 patients. Public representatives, youth, women, voluntary organizations and common citizens also participated extensively in this campaign.
Special attention to weaker sections
According to the instructions of Chief Minister Sai, special focus has been made on those sections of the society that are often deprived of health services – such as prisoners in jails, elderly elders of old age homes, students of hostels and workers working in factories. Special camps were organized for these and investigation and treatment were ensured.
National recognition of Chhattisgarh in TB eradication
As a result of these dedicated efforts, Chhattisgarh has been honored at the national level for the successful implementation of ‘TB Open Gram Panchayat Program’. So far, 4106 gram panchayats have been declared “TB free”, which is a major achievement of this campaign.
Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai said – “When the commitment and public cooperation of governance is united, then it is not a goal, achievement. Chhattisgarh is becoming a living example of this change.”
