Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that there was a need to involve every individual in the TB eradication campaign to make the State Tuberculosis free so that the target of 2023 could be achieved. He said that by achieving this goal, Himachal could emerge as the first ‘Model State’ of the country, which would be a great achievement for all of us. The Governor was addressing a two-day workshop organized for all Chief Medical Officers, Senior Medical Officers and Block Medical Officers of Himachal Pradesh at the State Health Training Center, Shimla today. He said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan on 9th September, 2022 and has set a target of making the country TB free by the year 2025. He said that the way work was being done by the health department of the State and at the regional level was commendable. Appreciating the efforts of the department, he said that as a result of these continuous efforts, Himachal could achieve the target of a TB-free state by the year 2023.
He said that even before this, Himachal had also secured the first position in the country in the matter of Covid-19 vaccination. The Governor said that it was not only the responsibility of the Health Department, but every individual needs to come forward. He has held meetings on this subject in different districts of the State and emphasized on adopting patients personally. He said that by adopting patients personally, understanding develops from them at a different level and they get more help. All patients on treatment needed to be provided community support through Nikshay Mitra, he added. He said that the Nikshay Mitra would be corporate, individual politician, NGO’s, civil society and others. He directed all CMOs and field officers to monitor this component closely and ensure that all TB patients should get community support immediately after registration. He said that he himself was involved in this campaign and the work could be expedited by involving organizations like the Red Cross. He emphasized on identifying the patients under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and said that it was not the responsibility of any one section but of the society to adopt them. He also emphasized increasing awareness in this direction.
While reviewing the National Leprosy Control Programme (NLCP), Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that the primary goal of the programme was to detect the cases of leprosy at an early stage and to provide complete treatment free of cost, in order to prevent the occurrence of disabilities in the persons affected and stop the transmission of disease at the community level. He said that leprosy was completely curable if the course of treatment was completed. He said that 141 patients of leprosy were under treatment in the State and such a small number could be easily cured. Earlier, Mission Director, National Health Mission Hem Raj Bairwa, welcomed the Governor and detailed about the various activities being carried out under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in the State. He informed the Governor about the efforts being made at the departmental level. Director, Health Services Dr. Gopal Berry presented the district wise details of the campaign. The Governor also held discussions with all the Chief Medical Officers and Senior Medical Officers. They gave details of the activities being done at the district level and gave their valuable suggestions. Secretary to Governor Rajesh Sharma, Principal, State Health Training Center Dr. Harsharan Kaur and other officers of Health Department were also present on the occasion.
