Madhya Pradesh Will Be Made TB-Free Through Community Participation: Deputy Chief Minister Shri Shukla

Bhopal, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla has emphasized the need for collective efforts to eradicate tuberculosis (TB). He stated that the Nikshay Camp Campaign will achieve its goals through community participation. Shri Shukla called upon social organizations and individuals to join this mission and help provide essential support to every TB patient. He appealed to citizens to identify TB patients in their vicinity and assist them in receiving timely treatment.

“If anyone experiences persistent cough, fever lasting more than two weeks, or unexplained weight loss, they should immediately visit a health center. TB is completely curable with timely detection and treatment. With collective efforts, we will soon achieve the goal of a TB-free Madhya Pradesh,” he said. Shri Shukla also appreciated the active role of healthcare workers, social activists, organizations, and Nikshay Mitras in driving the campaign forward.

The Madhya Pradesh Health Department is running a comprehensive awareness campaign to achieve the national goal of eradicating TB by 2025. This initiative seeks active collaboration from every section of society, including NGOs, social organizations, and the general public. The 100-day Nikshay Camp Campaign is focused on raising awareness, early detection, prevention, and treatment of TB across 23 high-priority districts in the state. The campaign aims to reduce TB incidence by 80%, lower mortality by 90%, and eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for patients by engaging Nikshay Mitras, volunteers, and social organizations.

Transforming TB Awareness into a Mass Movement-
The Health Department has implemented several creative initiatives to turn TB awareness into a community-driven movement. In Seoni district, the New Pehel Foundation distributed TB awareness materials in Urdu across 400 mosques, ensuring the message reaches diverse sections of the community. In Mandsaur, Block Program Manager Kamlesh Bhati promoted TB awareness during a family wedding, setting a unique example of spreading awareness at a social event. Similarly, at Jabalpur railway station, posters and flex banners were installed to educate thousands of passengers about TB prevention and treatment.

Special Camps for Diagnosis and Screening-
In Damoh, private doctors have taken the initiative to include TB awareness messages in OPD prescriptions, thereby reaching a large number of patients. In Sidhi district, hundreds of motivational slogans have been written in the local Bagheli language to effectively educate the community. The ICMR team conducted handheld X-ray screenings for inmates in Datia Jail, ensuring early detection of TB among the high-risk confined population. In Mandla, special camps were held at workplaces to screen 417 workers for TB. Similarly, in Neemuch, health workers provided nutritional support to TB patients, recognizing the critical role of diet in their recovery.

This campaign reflects the collective determination to combat TB through innovative and inclusive strategies. With active participation from every section of society, the goal of a TB-free Madhya Pradesh will soon become a reality.