Ranchi: Under the state-level TB-free India campaign, a 100-day drive was launched on Saturday at Ranchi Sadar Hospital. The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, who emphasized the Prime Minister’s commitment to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) from the country. He urged MPs and MLAs to adopt TB patients, sharing his personal experience of adopting 27 TB patients three years ago, whom he supported for two and a half years, leading to their recovery. He emphasized that with proper diagnosis and regular medication, TB patients can be fully cured.
Health Secretary, Ajay Kumar Singh, highlighted that the campaign aims to make India TB-free by March 2025. He mentioned that the initiative, which started at Ranchi Sadar Hospital, will continue at the village, block, and panchayat levels across the state, with a collective effort required to identify and treat TB patients. Successful efforts will be rewarded, he added.
Abu Imran, Campaign Director, shared that the TB-free India campaign had been launched in four districts of Jharkhand—Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, Simdega, and Gumla—under the guidance of the Prime Minister. The campaign will focus on identifying TB patients at the grassroots level and ensuring they complete their treatment for full recovery.
Delhi Health Director, Kshavjoshi Pant, emphasized the importance of identifying new cases, reducing the mortality rate, and ensuring proper treatment for patients. He stated that as new cases decrease, the TB-free India campaign will become successful. Other dignitaries, including MLA CP Singh, Civil Surgeon Dr. Prabhat Kumar, State TB Officer Dr. Kamlesh, and Dr. CK Shahi, also shared their views during the event. The guests were presented with mementos as part of the ceremony.