Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prof SP Singh Baghel, has emphasised the need for inter-departmental coordination and collaboration to achieve the 2025 TB elimination goal.
Speaking at a district-level consultation in Agra, the minister urged all stakeholders to come forward and support TB (tuberculosis) patients to strengthen elimination efforts.
He distributed nutritional food kits among pediatric TB patients and encouraged officers and public representatives to adopt TB patients.
Chief Medical Officer of Agra, Dr Arun Kumar Srivastava, highlighted successful initiatives such as the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative in Agra. Under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, a monthly nutritional support of Rs 500 is transferred into the bank accounts of all TB patients during their treatment.
The academic dean of Dr BR Ambedkar University spoke about engaging youth for TB elimination and using media platforms for awareness.
“With sustained efforts and the active participation of all stakeholders, India can achieve a future free from the burden of tuberculosis,” he said.
The programme was organised by District Health Society, Agra and Global Health strategies at the state TB Training and Demonstration Centre.