India, Aug. 5 -- Calling tuberculosis elimination a fight that requires the participation of every citizen, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday urged elected representatives, corporates, social organisations and residents to actively join the Nikshay Mitra initiative, saying public participation is the key to making Delhi and the country TB-free. Addressing a sensitisation workshop for public representatives under the TB-Free India Campaign at the Delhi Secretariat, Gupta said the campaign has grown beyond a government programme into a nationwide movement. The event was organised by the National Health Mission and the Delhi State Health Mission. Also Read - Factory wall collapse kills two firefighters "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the TB-Free India Campaign has evolved beyond a government programme into a nationwide movement driven by public participation. The target can be achieved within the stipulated timeline only through the active participation of every citizen," the Chief Minister said. Highlighting Delhi's progress, Gupta said the Capital has consistently achieved over 95 per cent of its annual TB patient notification target set by the Centre. Stressing that tuberculosis is curable, she said timely diagnosis and completion of treatment can ensure full recovery. Also Read - GZB: Kanwariya killed in NH-9 road accident, another dies after snakebite "TB is nothing to be ashamed of, but a disease that can be completely cured with timely treatment. Hospitals and doctors alone cannot achieve this goal; every section of society must contribute," she said, urging MPs, MLAs and councillors to spread awareness, encourage early testing and motivate patients to complete treatment. The Chief Minister also appealed to industries, resident welfare associations, corporate bodies, religious institutions and citizens to become Nikshay Mitras, volunteers who provide nutritional and social support to TB patients. According to the government, more than 3,300 Nikshay Mitras are currently supporting TB patients in Delhi, helping distribute over 1.2 lakh nutritional food baskets. Gupta said a Nikshay Mitra offers "not only nutritional support but also dignity, confidence and reassurance that society stands with the patient." During the programme, the Chief Minister reviewed an exhibition and awareness stalls showcasing the TB elimination campaign, including the Nikshay Mitra initiative, and directed officials to expand the campaign to every ward and Assembly constituency.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.