Sri Vijaya Puram | February 18, 2026
In a significant boost to tuberculosis (TB) elimination efforts in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, CSL AN Ship Repair Unit (CANSRU), a unit of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), joined hands with Sewa International and the Health Department of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to launch a nutritional support programme for TB patients under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) – Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
Cochin Shipyard Limited is a Government of India Category-I Miniratna company functioning under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The initiative, titled “Nutrition Support for TB Patients at Andaman & Nicobar Islands,” aims to provide monthly nutritional kits to TB patients undergoing treatment in the Islands.
Health officials have consistently underlined that malnutrition remains a major risk factor for tuberculosis and can adversely impact recovery. Sustained nutritional supplementation during the treatment period is considered crucial for improving patient outcomes and ensuring adherence to medication. The programme seeks to address this critical gap, particularly in the geographically remote and logistically challenging island region.
Sewa International, New Delhi, which has extensive experience in community service and public health interventions, is the implementing agency for the project. The initiative is being supported through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds of Cochin Shipyard Limited and coordinated locally by CANSRU. Officials said the partnership highlights how corporate participation can effectively strengthen government-led health programmes, especially in remote areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Marine Hall, Aberdeen Bazar, Sri Vijaya Puram. The programme was presided over by Cdr. Vijay Kumar, Director, Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), as Guest of Honour, and Dr. H.M. Siddaraju, Director of Health Services (DHS).
Among those present were Mr. Sreekanth V, Unit Head, CANSRU; Mr. Binu K. Kuriakose, AGM (CANSRU); Mr. K.G. Shyam Parande, Global Coordinator & Secretary, Sewa International; Mr. Jinesh Lal, Executive Director, Sewa International; Dr. P. Lal, State TB Officer; Mr. Sasindradas P.S., Manager (CSR-CSL); Mr. Yusaf A.K., Manager (CSR-CSL); and Mr. Mathew Varghese, Senior Manager HR & IR (CANSRU).
During the event, nutritional kits were distributed to TB patients, symbolising the formal commencement of the programme. Employees of CANSRU also participated in the initiative, reaffirming the unit’s support to the national mission of achieving a TB-free India under the Nikshay Mitra initiative.
