- Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda launched the initiative virtually from New Delhi, emphasizing the need to transform the TB eradication campaign into a mass movement.
- The goal is to make all 163 Gram Panchayats and 224 villages in the GPM district TB-free, starting with the Marwahi development block.
Efforts based on public participation are gaining new momentum in Chhattisgarh’s Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi (GPM) district to realize Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a TB-free India. The ‘Josh Team’ was launched in the district today with the aim of transforming the TB eradication campaign into a mass movement, raising awareness about the disease, and encouraging community participation. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri J.P. Nadda virtually inaugurated this initiative from New Delhi. A district-level event was held on this occasion at the conference hall of the Integrated Tribal Development Project office in Gaurela.
During the program, Sarpanchs of Gram Panchayats, ‘My Bharat’ volunteers, and NCC cadets who made outstanding contributions to TB eradication were felicitated. A pledge was also taken to make all 163 Gram Panchayats and 224 villages in the district TB-free. Under the campaign, special priority will be given to identifying TB symptoms, timely testing, regular treatment, and public awareness in rural areas.
- Enthusiasm Boosted by National Recognition; Goal Set to Make the Entire District TB-Free
Addressing the gathering, Collector Shri Vijay Dayaram K. stated that continuous and effective efforts are being made in the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district to realize the resolve of a TB-free India. He noted that it is a matter of pride that the district’s achievement of having a large number of TB-free Gram Panchayats has received recognition at the national level. This achievement is the result of the collective efforts of the Health Department, Panchayat representatives, field staff, and the rural community.
He stated that, building upon this achievement, planned efforts will now be undertaken to make the entire district TB-free. To achieve this, active participation will be ensured from the Health Department as well as other departments—such as Panchayat and Rural Development, Education, and Women and Child Development—alongside public representatives and social organizations.
The Collector mentioned that, keeping in mind the goal of TB eradication by 2030 under the Sustainable Development Goals, a target has been set to first make the Marwahi development block TB-free. Subsequently, the campaign will be expanded to make all 163 Gram Panchayats and 224 villages in the district TB-free.
- Controlling TB is possible through timely testing and regular treatment
Collector Shri Vijay Dayaram K. stated that TB is a disease that can be successfully treated if detected early and managed with regular treatment for the prescribed duration. It is essential for citizens to recognize the early symptoms of the disease and undergo testing at health facilities without delay.
He explained that symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, weight loss, weakness, and night sweats could indicate TB. If such symptoms appear, one should seek medical consultation and testing at the nearest health center. He emphasized the importance of availing timely health services rather than concealing the disease or being negligent about treatment.
The Collector issued instructions to disseminate information regarding TB symptoms, infection prevention, testing, and treatment during Gram Sabhas, and to conduct public awareness activities in every village. He remarked that the Health Department’s efforts alone are insufficient for TB eradication; every citizen must become aware and fulfill their responsibility.
- Achievement of 52 Gram Panchayats serves as inspiration; 19 Sarpanchs honored
Last year, 52 Gram Panchayats in the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district were declared TB-free. This achievement has given a new direction to the TB eradication campaign in the district. Gram Panchayats have played a pivotal role in raising public awareness at the village level, identifying potential patients, and fostering awareness regarding treatment.
In recognition of this, Sarpanchs from 19 Gram Panchayats in the Marwahi development block were honored with a shawl and a coconut (shriphal) for their outstanding work in TB eradication. While commending the efforts of these Sarpanchs, other Gram Panchayats were also encouraged to play an active role in the TB eradication campaign.
- Youth energy to strengthen the campaign; 30 volunteers and cadets honored
The role of the youth is considered crucial in transforming the ‘TB-free India’ campaign into a mass movement. With this objective, 15 volunteers from ‘My Bharat’ and 15 cadets from the National Cadet Corps (NCC)—who made commendable contributions to public awareness activities—were honored with certificates of appreciation.
Youth participation will strengthen efforts to raise awareness about TB in villages and communities, dispel myths surrounding the disease, and encourage potential patients to undergo testing and treatment. Emphasis was placed on disseminating the message of TB eradication to the widest possible audience by enhancing community participation through the ‘Josh’ team.
- Public representatives call for collective efforts
The event was attended by District Panchayat Vice-President Shri Raja Upendra Bahadur Singh, Janpad Panchayat Gaurela President Shri Shivnath Baghel, and the District Kisan Morcha President…Shri Brijlal Rathore also shared his views. He stated that raising public awareness in every village is essential to building a TB-free society. Collaboration among Gram Panchayats, social organizations, youth, and health workers will facilitate the timely identification of potential patients and encourage them to seek treatment. Public representatives called upon all sections of society to actively participate in making the campaign a success.
- Pledge taken with the resolve: ‘TB will lose, the country will win’
Collector Shri Vijay Dayaram K. and public representatives administered a pledge to the assembled officials, staff, Sarpanchs, youth, and other participants to actively contribute to TB eradication. With the resolve that “TB will lose, the country will win,” everyone pledged to spread awareness about TB, encourage potential patients to undergo testing and treatment, and contribute to the campaign to make the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district TB-free.
The event was attended by District Panchayat CEO Shri Mukesh Rawte, Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Rameshwar Sharma, District Program Manager Ms. Vibha Toppo, along with Health Department officials and staff, Sarpanchs from various Gram Panchayats, ‘My Bharat’ volunteers, NCC cadets, and other participants. The launch of the ‘Josh Team’ under the TB-free India campaign, combined with the active participation of public representatives and youth, is expected to give new momentum to TB eradication efforts in the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district. Building upon the achievements of 52 Gram Panchayats, collective efforts will now be made to make all 163 Gram Panchayats and 224 villages TB-free.