Baramulla district marked a major achievement in its fight against tuberculosis, as 242 out of 402 panchayats were declared ‘TB Mukt Panchayat 2024’ under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).
Among these, 106 panchayats received Silver Status and 136 received Bronze Status in recognition of their sustained efforts in TB detection, treatment, and community engagement.
The milestone was celebrated at a special award ceremony organized by the District Tuberculosis Control Society Baramulla, under the aegis of the State TB Cell, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, at Dak Bungalow Baramulla.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, who presided over the function, lauded the tireless efforts of field-level officers, health workers, and volunteers in achieving this public health milestone.
He highlighted that despite the difficult terrain and scattered population, the health teams worked with dedication to ensure early detection and treatment of TB cases, contributing significantly to the national goal.
He further said, “Today’s recognition reflects our district's strong collective resolve to eliminate tuberculosis. I sincerely hope that by 2025, the remaining panchayats will also achieve TB Mukt status, fulfilling our shared goal of a TB-free Baramulla ahead of the national target.”
DC also emphasized the importance of community participation, awareness drives, and nutritional support for TB patients under schemes like the Nikshay Poshan Yojana. Chief Medical Officer Baramulla, Dr. Mastoora Iqbal, congratulated the health department teams for their remarkable performance.
She appreciated the coordination between field workers, ASHAs, and TB programme staff, and called for continued vigilance in active case finding, contact tracing, and ensuring treatment adherence. “TB is preventable and curable, and with persistent community-level engagement, we can make TB a disease of the past,” she said.
District Tuberculosis Officer and other senior officers shared data-driven insights, best practices and the roadmap for 2025. The ceremony concluded with the felicitation of officers and frontline health workers whose contributions made the achievement possible.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by the Medical Superintendent GMC Baramulla, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmad, District Tuberculosis Officer, Dr. Hafeezulah Ganaie, BMOs from various medical blocks, front-line health workers, representatives from PRIs and other officials associated with the TB control programme.