Karwar: Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner (DC) K. Lakshmi Priya has called for collective efforts to make the district tuberculosis (TB)-free, emphasizing that everyone’s cooperation is crucial in eradicating the disease.
Speaking at the World TB Day program held at the Zilla Panchayat Auditorium on Monday, she noted that just as effective coordination helped control COVID-19 through health task force committees at the Gram Panchayat level—comprising Panchayat officials, Anganwadi workers, and ASHA workers—the same level of commitment is needed to combat TB. She urged people to take advantage of the free healthcare facilities provided by the government to achieve a TB-free district.
She further highlighted that the Central Government has pledged to make India TB-free and has launched several initiatives toward this goal. Various programs have been implemented at the village level in coordination with the district administration and the health department, including a recent 100-day TB elimination camp to accelerate efforts.
DC Lakshmi Priya stressed the importance of early detection, stating that identifying TB symptoms in time can save lives. She urged the public to become aware of TB symptoms, visit nearby health centers for testing, and eliminate misconceptions surrounding the disease.
Zilla Panchayat CEO Eshwar Kandu, speaking on the occasion, commended the continuous efforts of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Gram Panchayat presidents, Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs), and ASHA workers. He revealed that out of 229 Gram Panchayats in Uttara Kannada, 62 have already been declared TB-free, and efforts are ongoing to ensure the remaining panchayats achieve the same status.
He further suggested that taluk and district panchayats support TB patients by providing nutrition kits under the "TB Mitra" initiative. He called on the public, industrialists, donors, NGOs, and CSR funds to step forward in assisting TB patients.
Raviraj Chandrahas Ankolekar, President of the Urban Development Committee, noted that TB used to cause widespread fear, but effective medications are now available to control the disease. He emphasized that ASHA workers and Anganwadi teachers are actively raising awareness through camps and public campaigns.
As part of the event, a mobile handheld X-ray machine was inaugurated to aid in TB detection, and awards were distributed to TB-free Gram Panchayats in recognition of their efforts.
Among the dignitaries present were Dr. Poornima, Dean of Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences (KRIMS), Dr. Shivanand Kudtalkar, District Surgeon, Dr. Neeraj, District Health Officer (DHO), Dr. Harsha Venkatesh, District TB Eradication Officer, Dr. Nataraj, RCH Officer, Dr. Shankar Rao, District Leprosy Control Officer, Dr. Ramesh Rao, District Vector-Borne Disease Control Officer, Ashwini Borkar, District Women & Child Development Officer, Basavaraj S. Kannakkanavar, District Health Education Officer, Gram Panchayat Presidents, PDOs, ASHA workers, and other officials.