Asks Deputy Commissioners to ensure implementation of campaign for declaring “TB-free villages”
Chandigarh, July 25:
Setting a goal to make Punjab Tuberculosis (TB)-free by 2025, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Tuesday, entrusted upon the task of eliminating TB from villages to all the Panchayats of the state, with a comprehensive approach encompassing sensitization, organizing camps and adherence to the essential criteria to declare villages TB-free.
While chairing a important meeting of the State TB cell of the Health department and officials of Rural Development and Panchayats department here, the Cabinet Minister took this momentous step towards combating Tuberculosis (TB) in rural areas of the state. He said that the collaboration between the Rural Development & Panchayats and the Health departments will spearhead a dedicated campaign in every village of the state.
S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that under the TB-free village campaign, all panchayats will make people aware of the TB disease in their respective villages and assisting the department in identifying the affected persons for ensuring their early treatment and reducing stigma associated with the disease to encourage more people to seek a diagnosis. He said that the panchayats that have performed well under the “TB-Free Punjab campaign”, will also be honoured.
The Rural Development and Panchayats Minister directed the officials of the department to immediately issue instructions to the district officials and ensure the involvement of all the Panchayats. The Cabinet Minister emphasized the pivotal role of Panchayats in eliminating TB and underlined the importance of engaging the entire community in this crucial mission.
He said that all the members of panchayats will be actively involved in conducting camps, workshops, awareness drives and educational programs in schools to disseminate information about the causes, symptoms and nearby treatment facilities of TB. He said that special focus will be given to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease.
The Cabinet Minister said that the panchayats will collaborate with the Health Department to conduct medical camps in villages, which will facilitate early detection of TB cases and ensure that those affected receive prompt medical attention. Timely diagnosis can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.
Panchayats will diligently work towards meeting the necessary criteria for declaring a village TB-free, which include achieving a significant reduction in TB cases, ensuring proper treatment and follow-up of affected individuals, and maintaining a high standard of hygiene and sanitation, providing medicines and essential nutritional diet to the patients.
Minister Bhullar asked the officials to send a letter to all the Deputy Commissioner to oversee the implementation of the campaign in villages, utilizing the officials of the Rural Development and Panchayats department. He stressed the importance of regular monitoring and evaluation to track progress and make necessary adjustments for better results.
S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann’s far-sighted vision for a TB-free state relies on collective efforts, while calling upon every citizen to actively participate in this noble cause. He expressed his confidence in the dedication of Panchayats and the commitment of the community in making this initiative a resounding success.
With the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, the state will eliminate TB from all villages, ensuring a healthier and prosperous future for all people, he added.
During the meeting, Dr. Rajesh Bhaskar, State TB Officer, State TB Cell, Dr. Pooja Kapoor, Dr. Vasudha Chaudhary and Dr. Paritosh Dhawan were present.
