Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 25 March 2025
A State-Level Function was organized at the auditorium of ANIIMS (Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences) to commemorate World TB Day 2025. Dr. Anil Agarwal, Secretary (Health), A&N Administration, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The event witnessed the presence of the Director of Health Services, Medical Superintendent of G.B. Pant Hospital, Heads of Departments, ANIIMS faculty members, Programme Officers from the Directorate of Health Services, and students from ANIIMS and other health institutions.
Marking the occasion, Dr. Anil Agarwal officially launched the Annual TB Report 2025. In his address, he emphasized the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle and urged the community to actively participate in TB elimination efforts by spreading accurate information and ensuring regular screening of vulnerable populations. He reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to achieving the national goal of TB elimination.
The programme began with a welcome song presented by the students of the School of Nursing, Sri Vijaya Puram. Following this, Dr. P. Lal, State TB Officer, A&N Islands, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Tuberculosis. He also highlighted the ongoing interventions under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), which aligns with the National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination.
Adding further depth to the discussions, Dr. Natraj, Associate Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, ANIIMS, shared insights into recent advancements in TB treatment. A skit highlighting the importance of timely TB diagnosis and treatment, performed by volunteers from Nehru Yuva Kendra, added an engaging and informative touch to the programme.
To encourage active participation, the chief guest distributed certificates to the winners of various competitions held in observance of World TB Day 2025. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Keerthivasan, Microbiologist, NTEP, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders for their commitment to the cause of TB elimination.