Smt Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, today (September 9, 2022), virtually launched the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
During his address, the President stated that it is the duty of all citizens to give high priority to the ‘Pradhan Mantri TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ and make it a mass movement. The reason for this is that TB is the most common infectious disease in our country, causing the greatest number of deaths. Despite having less than 20% of the world’s population, India has more than 25% of the total number of TB patients. It is a matter of concern. Moreover, most of the people who are affected by TB belong to the poor section of society.
According to the President, ‘New India’ will make India a leading nation in the world through its thinking and methodology. The Indian government has set an example for the rest of the world in the fight against COVID-19. There is also evidence of the policy of the ‘New India’ to move forward with confidence in the field of TB eradication. In accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, all nations have committed to eliminating TB by 2030. In spite of this, the Government of India has set a target of eliminating TB by 2025, and efforts are being made at every level to achieve this goal.
According to the President, in order to make this campaign a mass movement, awareness about TB must be created among the general public. It is imperative that they are informed that this disease can be prevented. Prevention and treatment of this disease are provided free of charge by the government. In some patients or communities, there is an inferiority complex associated with this disease, and they view it as a stigma. It is also necessary to eradicate this illusion. It is important for everyone to be aware that TB germs can be found in the bodies of all individuals. If the immunity of a person decreases for some reason, then this disease manifests itself in that individual. With treatment, one can definitely get rid of this disease. All of these things should reach the public.
The Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan aims to bring together all community stakeholders to accelerate the country’s progress toward TB elimination and support those on TB treatment.
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, governors and lieutenants of office, as well as representatives from the State and District Health Administration and other stakeholders, attended the virtual event.
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