Una, March 24: The Department of Health and Family Welfare, District Una, organized a district-level World Tuberculosis Day event at the Regional Hospital, Una. On this occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mahendra Pal Gurjar attended as the Chief Guest. To mark this district-level World Tuberculosis Day, he flagged off and launched the 'Nikshay' vehicle.
He stated that, in pursuit of its goals for tuberculosis control, District Una is currently conducting a special campaign across the district—under the guidelines of the Himachal Pradesh government—through the network of ASHA workers. As part of this initiative, teams will go door-to-door to raise awareness among the public regarding tuberculosis. Furthermore, potential TB patients will be identified and selected for screening; subsequently, X-ray examinations and sputum samples from these potential patients will be collected in villages across the district using the Nikshay vehicle.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner noted that the rate of TB screening in the district has witnessed a significant increase. He expressed his pleasure that District Una currently ranks number one across all categories under the 'TB-Free India' campaign. He informed the gathering that, at present, tuberculosis screening is being conducted using state-of-the-art technology in five hospitals within the district. He added that the department is maintaining constant vigilance, prioritizing the early detection of TB patients, timely treatment, and nutritional support.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Sanjay Mankotia explained that World Tuberculosis Day has been observed annually on March 24th since 1982. Its objective is to commemorate and honor the achievements attained in the ongoing efforts to control tuberculosis (TB). He extended his congratulations to District TB Officer Dr. Vishal Thakur, as well as to all officers and employees working in the field of TB control, for their exemplary service and contributions to the tuberculosis program in District Una.
He further shared that, during the year, 31,029 potential TB patients were screened in District Una, and 796 confirmed TB patients were registered within the district; all of these patients are currently receiving free-of-cost treatment at various health centers across the district. He called upon the general public to participate enthusiastically in this campaign for tuberculosis control, with the aim of identifying TB patients as early as possible, ensuring their prompt treatment, and ultimately saving the lives of those affected.
On the occasion of World TB Day, District TB Officer Dr. Vishal Thakur stated, "We reiterate our commitment toward the eradication of TB and strengthen our collective efforts in the direction of a TB-free India." This day underscores the importance of early diagnosis, complete treatment, nutritional support, and community participation. Through initiatives such as 'Nikshay Mitra,' individuals and organizations are encouraged to support TB patients by providing them with nutritional and psychosocial assistance, thereby improving treatment outcomes and facilitating recovery.
Present on this occasion were Public Education and Information Officer Gopal Krishna, District TB and HIV Program Coordinator Gulshan Kumar, District Program Coordinator Rakesh Thakur, and Senior TB Laboratory Supervisor Sandeep Dheer, along with the entire hospital staff and nursing students.