Ladakh gears up for ‘TB-Free Panchayats’ under ‘National Elimination Drive’

Leh/Kargil, July 10: In a determined push to eliminate tuberculosis at the grassroots level, the Union Territory of Ladakh is ramping up its efforts to declare every panchayat TB-free under the nationwide TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.A high-level meeting chaired by Principal Secretary of Health and Medical Education (H&ME), UT Ladakh, was held on Wednesday to chart out a focused roadmap. Senior officials from both Leh and Kargil districts, including Mission Director NHM Ladakh, Director Health Services, Deputy Commissioners, and District Tuberculosis Officers, participated in the discussion.According to the details both districts presented their progress and outlined strategies for intensified screenings, early detection, and community-based interventions. The Principal Secretary  called for a sharper focus on identifying TB cases based on the standard list of ten common symptoms, particularly among vulnerable populations.Officials were directed to bolster grassroots-level operations through the six core indicators set under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), while also ensuring timely delivery of benefits under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, a scheme that supports TB patients with nutritional aid during treatment.District administrations have been tasked with preparing detailed, panchayat-wise action plans aimed at achieving TB-free certification in a mission-mode approach. The meeting also saw directives issued for faster distribution of nutritional food baskets under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA), to ensure that no TB patient is left behind in terms of care or support.Health officials in Ladakh reaffirmed their commitment to the national goal of eliminating TB by 2025. With coordinated efforts and panchayat-level action, Ladakh aims to be a model for TB elimination, an official from the health department stated.The campaign aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a TB-free India and marks a significant step forward in strengthening public health at the last mile in the high-altitude Himalayan region.