SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday called for intensified efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) in Jammu and Kashmir, urging officials to increase testing, identify high-risk areas, and conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns.
Speaking at the launch of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan – 100 Days Campaign on World Tuberculosis Day at the Convention Centre in Jammu, LG Sinha said, “Every family must be informed that testing for TB symptoms and treatment are free, and full recovery is possible.”
He added, “Awareness, I believe, will be our most powerful medicine. Detecting TB is only half the battle. Walking beside a patient through the entire course of treatment and recovery is the real challenge. The Ni-Kshay Mitra programme is precisely that answer.”
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the nationwide campaign to accelerate TB elimination using technology-driven, targeted interventions. AI-enabled portable X-ray tools will bring testing to tribal hamlets, migrant camps, urban slums, and other high-risk areas. Mobile Ni-Kshay vans will provide on-the-go care, while Ayushman health camps will conduct chest X-rays, NAAT tests, and routine health checks including blood sugar, haemoglobin, blood pressure, and BMI assessments.
The LG emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir should take a leading role in the campaign, stating, “It is our resolve to transform this campaign into a people’s movement in Jammu Kashmir. This year’s campaign must be more focused, deeply rooted in communities across the Union Territory.”
He stressed that public health is a shared responsibility. “Health teams and communities in every district should work tirelessly to reach the last person, detect every case, support each patient until full recovery, and provide all necessary aid,” he said.
Sinha also directed the health department and district administrations to involve self-help groups, schools, industries, NGOs, and public enterprises to strengthen the 100-day campaign. A review of testing equipment and medicine availability will be conducted, along with a dedicated portal for citizens to report grievances.
During the UT-level programme, the LG flagged off the Ni-Kshay Vaahan, distributed Poshan kits, and felicitated Ni-Kshay Mitras. Awards for TB Mukt Panchayats were presented to Doda and Srinagar districts. Senior officials, medical professionals, social organisations, and youth attended the launch.
The Lieutenant Governor said the campaign aims to make TB elimination a mass movement, with every citizen contributing to a “TB-Free Jammu Kashmir.”
