On the occasion of World Health Day, Governor Kavinder Gupta inaugurated an Ayushman Arogya Camp at Divya Manav Jyoti Seva Trust in Dehar, Sundernagar (Mandi district), organized by the Health Department.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor reiterated the state’s commitment to the vision of a “Healthy India” as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized that the government is working to provide accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to all, noting steady improvements in key health indicators across Himachal Pradesh in recent years.
Highlighting the fight against tuberculosis (TB), he described it as a continuing public health challenge but acknowledged the state’s progress. TB cases have declined from 15,760 in 2022 to 14,653 in 2025, reflecting sustained efforts by healthcare workers and community support.
The Governor informed that around 14.9 lakh high-risk individuals have been screened under a central initiative, with nearly 46 percent undergoing X-ray testing—above the national average. He added that the use of portable X-ray machines, advanced diagnostics, and mobile health units has helped extend free testing and services even to remote areas.
He also spoke about the success of the ‘TB-Free Gram Panchayat’ initiative, under which 29 percent of panchayats have been declared TB-free in 2025, up from 20 percent in 2023. Calling these results encouraging, he said they reflect growing community participation.
Referring to the ongoing 100-day campaign, the Governor said over 5,000 high-risk villages and urban wards have been identified for focused interventions through Ayushman Arogya Camps to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.
He stressed that eliminating TB must go beyond government efforts and become a mass movement, urging active participation from public representatives, local bodies, youth groups, self-help groups and citizens.
The Governor noted that the state currently has 25 handheld X-ray machines, with plans to expand capacity further. He also highlighted improved healthcare access through advanced diagnostic facilities at the block level.
Appealing for wider support, he said letters have been sent to Ministers, MPs and MLAs to join the TB elimination drive. He encouraged citizens to become ‘Nikshay Mitra’ by supporting TB patients with treatment, nutrition and care.
He appreciated Sardar Patel University, Mandi, for adopting 75 TB patients under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, describing it as a commendable step toward social responsibility.
During the visit, the Governor inspected facilities at the camp, released the Phase-II logo of the TB-Free India Campaign, distributed nutrition kits to TB patients, honoured TB Champions, and administered a pledge for a TB-free India.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
