On the occasion of World TB Day 2026, the nationwide launch of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan – 100 Days Campaign marked a significant step toward accelerating India’s efforts to eliminate tuberculosis through a focused and time-bound strategy. In Chandigarh, the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), Health Department, U.T. Chandigarh, actively participated in the national launch with great enthusiasm under the leadership of the Hon’ble Administrator, Chandigarh-cum-Governor of Punjab.
Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration, virtually joined the event and reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to achieving a TB-Free India through sustained, inclusive, and community-driven interventions. On this occasion, he felicitated three distinguished Nikshay Mitras for their exemplary contributions in adopting TB patients and providing continuous nutritional and social support, thereby significantly improving treatment outcomes and strengthening patient-centric care.
Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, Secretary Health-cum-Home Secretary, Chandigarh Administration, also graced the occasion and emphasized the need for intensified, coordinated, and multi-sectoral strategies to eliminate TB from the Union Territory. During the event, Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad formally launched the State-level TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan – 100 Days Campaign in Chandigarh, aligning it with the national initiative and providing renewed momentum to local TB elimination efforts.
The campaign aims to intensify field-level activities and ensure last-mile delivery of TB services. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary highlighted that nearly 40% of TB patients in Chandigarh are referred from outside the city, increasing the risk of transmission among local residents.
He stressed the importance of a focused awareness drive over the next 100 days, particularly targeting vulnerable populations. He outlined the key objectives of the campaign, including awareness generation, timely testing, effective treatment, and diligent follow-up, while underscoring the importance of community sensitization.
Expressing confidence, he stated that the intensified efforts during this period would help bridge existing gaps and extended his best wishes to all teams involved in the initiative. Dr. Suman Singh, Director Health Services (DHS)-cum-Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), U.T. Chandigarh, presented a comprehensive overview of the current epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in the city.
She emphasized key strategic interventions being implemented under NTEP, including active case finding among high-risk populations, strengthening and decentralization of diagnostic services, universal drug susceptibility testing, prompt initiation of treatment, adherence support through digital monitoring systems, and enhanced nutritional support through Nikshay Mitras.
She further emphasized the importance of community awareness, stigma reduction, early diagnosis, and completion of the full course of treatment as critical pillars for TB elimination. She also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of healthcare workers, community volunteers, NGOs, and partner organizations in advancing the mission of a TB-Free Chandigarh.