Budgam, Mar 24 : In a significant push towards eliminating tuberculosis, the District Administration Budgam, in collaboration with the District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC), marked World TB Day 2026 with a grand felicitation ceremony here on Tuesday, declaring 283 panchayats as TB-free.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, who chaired the event at Sheikh-ul-Alam Hall, also formally launched the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan Phase-II (100 Days Campaign) in the district. The initiative aims to intensify efforts for early detection, effective treatment, and community awareness.
On the occasion, the DC flagged off an awareness rally from the DC Office to the Old Bus Adda, which saw enthusiastic participation from students, youth, and local residents to spread awareness on TB prevention and timely diagnosis.
Speaking at the event, DC Budgam emphasised the need for sustained community engagement and inter-departmental coordination to achieve the goal of a TB-free district. He appreciated the dedicated efforts under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of panchayats for their outstanding performance in TB elimination. A total of 283 panchayats were declared TB-free and awarded mementos and certificates. Of these, 100 received Gold, 59 were awarded Silver, and 124 were conferred Bronze for their remarkable achievements at the grassroots level.
The DC lauded the proactive role of the Health Department and Panchayati Raj Institutions in achieving the TB-free status across multiple panchayats.
The programme, attended by senior health officials including the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO), concluded with a collective pledge by all stakeholders to work in unison towards the vision of a TB Mukt Bharat. (KNS)
