Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 18 July 2025
In a determined move to intensify the fight against tuberculosis (TB), the Department of Rural Development, A&N Administration, organized a sensitization session on July 17, 2025, for all Pradhans of the South Andaman District under the national TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The session was held at the Conference Hall of the Department, with in-person participation from South Andaman Pradhans and Rural Development officials. Pradhans from North & Middle Andaman and Nicobar Districts joined the session virtually.
The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at eliminating TB through enhanced community engagement and people’s participation (Jan Bhagidari). Recognizing the critical role of grassroots leaders in achieving this goal, the session focused on equipping Panchayat representatives with essential knowledge and strategies.
Dr. P. Lal, Joint Secretary, National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), A&N Islands, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the progress made in TB reduction as per the Global TB Report 2024. He also shared district-specific TB data for the Islands, including TB notification trends, drug-resistant TB percentages, treatment coverage by blocks, and the role of Nikshay Mitras in patient support.
Emphasizing the need for deeper community involvement, Pradhans were urged to implement the following IEC (Information, Education & Communication) activities in their respective Panchayats:
– Regular Gram Sabha meetings and community dialogues to promote awareness on TB symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
– Wall paintings and awareness hoardings at public locations.
– Distribution of TB-related informational material in local languages through ASHAs and Anganwadi Workers.
– Organization of street plays (Nukkad Nataks) and cultural programmes to educate communities.
– Mobilization of Nikshay Mitras, local influencers, and volunteers to identify and encourage presumptive TB cases for timely screening.
The session concluded with a call to action for all Pradhans to take a proactive role in advancing the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and work towards making their Panchayats TB-free.
The Health Department has appealed to the public to join the movement by supporting health workers, spreading awareness, and encouraging those with TB symptoms to seek early diagnosis and complete treatment.
