Chhattisgarh receives National Honour on World Tuberculosis Day: First place in the country for remarkable achievement in the TB-Free Gram Panchayat Campaign

Raipur, March 25

On the occasion of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, the state of Chhattisgarh was awarded the first prize for outstanding performance in the “TB-Free Gram Panchayat Campaign” at a national ceremony organized by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This award was given in the category of states with a population of more than 50 lakhs for the highest proportion of TB-free Gram Panchayats.
The program was presided over by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri J. P. Nadda. Health Secretaries from across the country, Mission Directors of the National Health Mission, State TB Officers, and representatives from various ministries and the World Health Organization attended the ceremony.
Shri Vijay Dayaram K., Director, National Health Mission, received the award on behalf of the state of Chhattisgarh. Union Minister Shri Nadda highly appreciated the efforts of the Chhattisgarh government, stating that the state has done exemplary work towards achieving the goal of “TB-Free Panchayat.”
It is noteworthy that the concept of “TB-Free Gram Panchayat” was envisioned by the Government of India in 2023. In the very first year, 2260 Panchayats in Chhattisgarh were declared TB-free, while in the year 2024, this number increased to 4102 Panchayats, which represents the highest proportion in the country.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his happiness over this honour received by Chhattisgarh and congratulated all the officers and employees of the Health Department. Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal congratulated all the officers, employees, and collaborators associated with the campaign. Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal directed Health Secretary Shri Amit Kataria to ensure that X-ray and NAT testing of all potential patients identified during the 100-day campaign are completed on priority, and their immediate registration and treatment are started, ensuring assistance from the Nikshay Poshan Yojana and Nikshay Mitras (TB Champions).
“Nikshay Niramy Chhattisgarh” becomes a mass movement
The 100-day ‘Nikshay Niramy Chhattisgarh’ campaign launched by the Government of Chhattisgarh on December 7, 2024, has accelerated widespread identification, treatment, and participation at the rural level. On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai appealed to all sections of society – industries, corporates, NGOs, and the general public – to adopt TB patients. Following this appeal, the number of Nikshay Mitras in the state increased to 13,422, who have so far provided nutritional support and other assistance to 26,039 TB patients.