Gov honours contributors to TB-Free India Campaign
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 15 Jul: Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd) participated as the Chief Guest in an award ceremony organised at Raj Bhavan by the National Health Mission, Uttarakhand under the “TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” (TB-Free India Campaign), here, today.
On this occasion, the Governor honoured 13 Nikshay Mitras — individuals and organisations who adopted TB patients, provided consistent emotional support and monitoring, and helped them recover. He also felicitated 13 Treatment Supporters who worked diligently at the grassroots level to ensure regular monitoring and proper care of TB patients.
The districts of Dehradun, Champawat, and Rudraprayag were recognised for their outstanding performance in TB elimination efforts. The Governor also honoured recovered ‘TB Champions’ and distributed nutrition kits to adopted TB patients.
In his address, the Governor emphasised that the elimination of TB cannot be achieved by government efforts alone — public participation and collective resolve are essential. He called TB survivors the true warriors and an inspiration to society. He commended all the individuals, voluntary organisations, and the health department involved in the campaign and lauded their efforts that have placed Uttarakhand among the leading states in TB control.
The Governor shared that he too is a Nikshay Mitra, having adopted 75 TB patients, out of which 62 have fully recovered. He appealed to capable individuals in society to come forward and join the campaign. He urged the Health Department to ensure that no patient is left untreated due to lack of awareness, and that services reach the most remote corners. He expressed hope that with collective efforts, Uttarakhand can become TB-free by 2025.
Health Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat, speaking at the event, reiterated the state’s commitment to making Uttarakhand TB-free by 2025. He announced that starting 1 August 2025, a statewide intensive campaign will be launched under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. Special TB screening and awareness camps will be organised in every ward of municipal corporations and nagar panchayats, aimed at early detection, assured treatment, and public awareness at the community level.
The event was also attended by Raj Bhavan Secretary Ravinath Raman, Health Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar, Additional Secretary to Governor Reena Joshi, Director General (Health) Dr Sunita Tamta, Director, Medical Education, Dr Ashutosh Sayana, Red Cross Society Chairman Dr Naresh Chaudhary, along with other senior health officials and medical students from various colleges.
The honourees were – Nikshay Mitras: Dr S Farukh (Himalayan Wellness Company); Poonam Kimothi (Hans Cultural Foundation); Mukesh Mohan (Dehradun); Pankaj Gupta; Dr Aarti (Sai Institute); Kalpana Bisht (Red Cross Society); Dr Ritu Gupta (Kanishk Hospital); Hemlata Behan (AAS Organisation); Rajeev Bijlwan (Swami Ram Himalayan University); Inder Ramola (Devbhoomi Swaraj Foundation); Dolly Dabral (Mahila Jijivisha Manch, Dehradun); Rajneesh Goyal (Lions Club); and Mamta Thapa.
Community Volunteers honoured were Supriya, Zoya, Kanak, while ASHAs included Neeraj, Neera Kandari, Meena Kala, Ganga Bhandari, Saroj, Neeru Jain, Pooja Joshi, Shikha Arora, Nirmala Joshi, and Sachi Tiwari.
