Namchi District Observers “World Tuberculosis Day" 2026.

Namchi, March 24 (IPR): The ‘World Tuberculosis Day’ 2026 program was organised by District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC) under National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), themed “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Countries, Powered by People”, which was held at RC Church, Tharpu, Namchi.

The World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on every March 24, which aims to raise awareness about the global impact of TB and promote efforts toward its eradication through community participation and strengthened healthcare initiatives.

The programme was graced by Minister for Urban Development and Food & Civil Supplies Departments Mr Bhoj Raj Rai, as the chief guest.

Minister for Urban Development and Food & Civil Supplies Departments Mr Bhoj Raj Rai, appreciated the District Hospital and the Tuberculosis Cell for organising an informative and meaningful programme.

He expressed his gratitude to the District Hospital, District Tuberculosis Cell, Panchayat members, wellness centres, and all stakeholders for spreading awareness among the public and motivating them to come forward in the fight against TB.

Highlighting the important role of Panchayats, he stated that they are well-connected with the public and can effectively work at the grassroots level using collective data. He urged them to collaborate closely with communities to help make the state TB-free.

He further stressed that the focus should not be limited to TB alone, but should also extend to other illnesses. He emphasised the importance of proper knowledge, especially as the world moves rapidly towards a digital era.

Also he congratulated the felicitatees for their commendable achievement in declaring 39 Gram Panchayat Units (GPUs) as TB-free. He urged them to sustain their efforts and continue striving towards greater accomplishments in the future. He further underscored the collective responsibility and shared commitment to achieving the goal of a TB-free district.

Moreover, he informed the gathering about the importance of staying updated and technologically aware, emphasising that artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in today’s world. He encouraged people to leverage its benefits to make life easier and enhance knowledge.

Lastly, he reflected on the earlier days when tuberculosis (TB) treatment was limited due to a lack of awareness and medical advancements. He highlighted that, at present, significant progress in healthcare has made it possible not only to cure TB but also to prevent it effectively.

Addressing the gathering, District TB Officer Dr Pratik Rasaily, highlighted the importance of community involvement in achieving a TB-free society. Elaborating on the symptoms of Tuberculosis, including chest pain, persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood or phlegm, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.

He emphasised the need for early detection through screening methods such as cough tests and chest X-rays. He informed that TB is broadly classified into pulmonary and extrapulmonary types and assured that even complicated cases can be effectively treated with proper medication and adherence.

Further he explained that standard TB treatment requires six months with four to six tablets, while more severe forms such as bone TB and drug-resistant TB require extended treatment of up to 18 months with six to eight tablets. Highlighting preventive initiatives, he noted that since 2025, awareness on TB Preventive Therapy (TPT) has been intensified in rural areas. The therapy involves a three-month course with a weekly tablet and is aimed at preventing latent TB infection from progressing into active disease, particularly among high-risk groups.

He also pointed out that malnutrition is a major contributing factor to TB and called for improved nutrition and awareness. Urging collective action, he encouraged the gathering to report suspected cases and support ongoing TB elimination efforts.

He highlighted the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which supports TB patients through the Nikshay Mitra scheme, free treatment, and ₹1,000 monthly nutritional support. The initiative aims to eliminate TB in India before the global target of 2030.

Also he briefed on the TB Mukt Panchayat Campaign (launched on March 24, 2023), which empowers village councils to create TB-free communities by 2025, reduce stigma, and ensure timely treatment.

In Namchi District, out of 54 Gram Panchayat Units (GPUs), 39 have been declared TB-free. Denchung was the first to achieve this status. In 2024, 11 GPUs were declared TB-free, increasing to 39 in 2025. These are categorised as Gold, Silver, and Bronze, with Denchung achieving Gold status in 2025.

Felicitator and Nikshay Mitra, Mr Birkha Rai, in his address, briefed the gathering about the Nikshay Mitra initiative, which was launched on March 24, 2023. He explained that a Nikshay Mitra, meaning “TB Friend,” acts as a supporter or donor under India’s Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, providing assistance to tuberculosis patients.

He further stated that the initiative offers essential nutritional, diagnostic, and vocational support for at least six months. Additionally, he emphasised that the programme aims not only to provide physical aid but also social support and solidarity to TB patients, strengthening the fight against the disease.

Panchayat member of Denchung, Mr Sukraj Limboo, shared his experience of making his Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) the first TB-free GPU in the district. He stated that the achievement was not only due to the active involvement of the Gram Panchayat, but also the support of ICDS, ASHA workers, and the local public, whose contributions were invaluable in achieving a TB-free status.

He further highlighted that campaigns under the TB Mukt Panchayat initiative and the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan played a significant role in making their GPU TB-free. Informing that screening and testing drives were conducted, and public awareness campaigns were actively carried out to ensure community participation.

Lastly he emphasised the crucial role of Panchayats in achieving TB-free status and concluded by stressing that health is a vital and fundamental aspect of life.

Representative of IPCA Laboratories Ltd., Mr B.N Jha, stated that the company has been supporting the District Tuberculosis Cell (DTC) for the past three years and expressed their commitment to continue contributing to TB elimination efforts in the future.

He further highlighted the importance of community engagement, noting that awareness campaigns, early detection, and patient follow-up are crucial to controlling TB at the grassroots level.

The programme also marked the launch of the 100 Days TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (2nd Phase) by the chief guest, along with other dignitaries. Followed by a felicitation ceremony honouring the Panchayat Presidents, Nikshay Mitras, Community Health Officers (CHOs), and the three best-performing CHOs. The event further featured a Nikshay Mitra registration desk, a DTC Namchi help desk, a Latent TB screening corner, a nutrition corner, and an IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) corner.

Also present were Health and Family Welfare Department Director-cum-Chief Medical Officer, Namchi Dr Junita Yonzon, CNO Namchi Ms Bijay Laxmi Rai, President Organising Committee Dr D Dewkota, SDM Namchi Mr Wangyal Sherpa, DRCHO Namchi, Dr B K Chauhan, Mr Laxman Tamang CDPO Namchi, Ms Sophia Lepcha AD Nutrition, along with GUPs Panchayat President, along with with doctors from Namchi District Hospital, District Tuberculosis Cell, other line departments, members of HWC, Asha, Volunteers and Nikshay Mitra/Saathi.

Report From DIO Namchi