Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, today chaired a meeting of the District Tuberculosis (TB) Forum Baramulla to bolster the fight against tuberculosis (TB) and achieve the ambitious goal of its elimination by 2025, as envisaged under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).
During the meeting, the DC emphasized the critical need for intensifying awareness campaigns to educate the public about TB, its symptoms, and the importance of timely treatment.
Minga Sherpa highlighted that social stigma surrounding the disease remains a significant barrier to achieving its eradication, and to address this, he directed the Health Department to launch targeted campaigns across the district, particularly in rural and remote areas.
The DC further stressed the importance of early detection and timely intervention in preventing the spread of TB and called for strengthening diagnostic facilities and ensuring their accessibility at the grassroots level.
He underlined the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling TB and urged for the involvement of community leaders to play an active role in breaking the stigma associated with the disease and supporting patients throughout their treatment journey.
Minga Sherpa further stressed the importance of ensuring the well-being of TB patients through nutritional and financial support by leveraging the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, which provides financial assistance to TB patients, and stressed the need for its seamless execution.