Jammu, March 24, 2026 (ANB):
On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha today attended the launch of the ‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan – 100 Days Campaign’ at the Convention Centre in Jammu, calling for intensified efforts and a people-driven approach to eliminate tuberculosis from the Union Territory.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor urged the health department, district administrations, and citizens to scale up testing, identify TB-sensitive areas, and ensure widespread door-to-door awareness. He emphasized that every household must be informed that testing and treatment for TB are free and that complete recovery is achievable.
“Awareness, I believe, will be our most powerful medicine. Leave no patient behind. Detecting TB is only half the battle; the real challenge lies in supporting the patient through the entire course of treatment and recovery,” he said, highlighting the importance of the Ni-Kshay Mitra programme.
The nationwide campaign, launched by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, aims to accelerate progress towards TB elimination through intensified, targeted, and technology-driven interventions.
Under the 100-day campaign, AI-enabled portable X-ray machines will facilitate testing in tribal hamlets, migrant settlements, urban slums, and other high-risk areas. Mobile health units, known as Ni-Kshay vans, will deliver on-the-spot care, while Ayushman health camps will provide a range of diagnostic services, including chest X-rays, NAAT tests, blood sugar, haemoglobin, blood pressure, and BMI checks.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that Jammu and Kashmir must emerge not just as a participant but as a leader in the national drive against tuberculosis. “It is our resolve to transform this campaign into a people’s movement. This year’s campaign must be more focused, intensive, and deeply rooted in communities across the Union Territory,” he said.
Observing that public health is a shared responsibility, he stated that the vision of a “TB-Free Jammu and Kashmir” depends on coordinated efforts at every level. He called upon health teams and community members in all districts to work tirelessly to reach the last mile, detect every case, and ensure full recovery of every patient.
He further emphasized the need to convert the 100-day initiative into a mass movement, particularly in vulnerable districts, where frontline health workers and Ni-Kshay Mitras play a crucial role in delivering care and nutritional support.
Directing the health department and district administration, the Lieutenant Governor asked them to involve self-help groups, students, educational institutions, industries, NGOs, and public sector enterprises to amplify the campaign. He also called for a comprehensive review of testing infrastructure and medicine availability, along with the establishment of a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism.
“Today, we pledge that no man, woman, or child in Jammu and Kashmir will lose their future to TB. Every life is precious. No case will go unnoticed and no patient will be left unsupported,” he asserted.
During the programme, the Lieutenant Governor flagged off Ni-Kshay vehicles and distributed nutrition kits. Districts Doda and Srinagar were honoured for achieving TB Mukt Panchayat status. The Ni-Kshay Pledge was administered, and Ni-Kshay Mitras were felicitated for their contributions.
Senior officials, medical professionals, representatives of social organisations, and a large number of youth attended the launch ceremony.
