Hoshiarpur: Under the slogan "Caring for Every Citizen: Campaign for a TB-Free India," and on the occasion of World TB Day today, ration kits were distributed to 50 TB patients at the Training Center under the leadership of Civil Surgeon Dr. Mandeep Kamal. During the event, an awareness poster dedicated to the eradication of TB was also released. Present on this occasion were District TB Officer Dr. Shakti Sharma, Dr. Shaminder Kaur, Dr. Satish Pundhir (World Health Partner), Akhilesh Sharma (Program Director), District Mass Media Officer Tarsem Lal, Deputy Mass Media Officer Ravinder Jassal, Harjit Singh (DPC), Narendra Singh (DPC), Sukhjit Kaur (DNM), Kuldeep Singh (STS), Deepak Kumar (MPHWCM), Renu Bala (TB HV), and Neha Dhiman, representing the Sonalika Group.
Sharing further details regarding the TB program, Dr. Mandeep Kamal stated that this year, the day is being observed globally under the theme: "Yes! We Can End TB: Led by India, Powered by the People." The objective is to generate awareness among the public regarding this disease and to prevent deaths caused by TB. The government has launched a 100-day campaign aimed at making the country TB-free. He emphasized that Panchayats also need to come forward and play an active role in the eradication of TB.
The Civil Surgeon highlighted that TB is a curable disease, provided that treatment is sought in a timely manner. He informed that under the NTEP (National TB Elimination Program), TB diagnostic facilities—including sputum testing and chest X-rays—are available free of cost in all government hospitals across the state. To ensure accurate and rapid diagnosis of TB, CBNAAT and TrueNat machines have been installed in all districts. Furthermore, treatment for all forms of TB is available free of charge in all government hospitals throughout the state. 
Speaking on the occasion, District TB Officer Dr. Shakti Sharma informed that, under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, the government provides financial assistance of ?1,000 per month to every TB patient to cover the cost of nutritious food during their treatment. In line with this initiative, ration kits were distributed to 50 patients today by the Sonalika Group.