Chamba Launches Campaign to Combat Tuberculosis on World TB Day

World Tuberculosis Day Observance in Chamba

Subhash Mahajan
Chamba

In celebration of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, Mukesh Repaswal, the Deputy Commissioner of Chamba, initiated the Ni-Kshay vehicle from the grounds of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba. He also launched a TB awareness rally, which was organized by students from the medical college, local nursing institutions, and schools.

Emphasizing this year's theme, “Yes! We can end TB”, Repaswal stated that the government is actively working towards the eradication of tuberculosis in the nation. To support this initiative, a special 100-day campaign has commenced in Chamba district. He urged residents to seek testing at the nearest health facility if they experience symptoms such as a persistent cough lasting over two weeks, unexplained weight loss, or other related signs. He reassured the public that TB treatment is provided at no cost.

Dr. Jalam Bhardwaj, the Chief Medical Officer, shared that the first phase of the campaign took place from December 7, 2024, to March 14, 2025, during which approximately 160,000 individuals were screened, resulting in the identification of 1,522 TB cases. The second phase has now begun, with Ni-Kshay camps being set up across seven health blocks in the district. The main goal of this campaign is to achieve 100% TB screening, particularly in remote and tribal regions.

Additionally, health department teams will perform door-to-door screenings. Dr. Bhardwaj called on all citizens to assist the health teams by providing accurate information to ensure the success of the 100-day initiative.