Bhubaneswar: In another step towards elimination of tuberculosis, the Odisha government on Saturday launched the “100-Day Intensified TB Campaign”.
Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Minister Mukesh Mahaling launched the campaign in presence of senior officials in Bhubaneswar.
The campaign will be initially implemented in 19 districts including Balangir, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Boudh, Cuttack, Deogarh, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Kendrapada, Keonjar, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Puri, Rayagada, Subarnapur and Sundargarh.
The campaign will focus on reaching underserved communities and high-risk groups to reduce TB transmission and ensure equitable access to treatment.
As part of the campaign, the minister released advocacy and information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to raise awareness about TB prevention and treatment. He also appealed to people to join hands with the government to make “TB Mukt Odisha” and “TB Mukt Bharat”.
On the occasion, Mahaling flagged off the Ni-kshay Vahan, a fleet of vehicles that will enhance access to diagnostics, screening, and treatment services in remote areas. The Ni-kshay Mitra programme aims to provide nutritional support to TB patients and their families, as well as improve care for high-risk individuals.
The campaign will focus on key indicators such as TB incidence rates, diagnostic coverage, and mortality reduction, aligning with national policy initiatives like increased financial assistance under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana. The programme also includes social support through the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which aims to strengthen the TB elimination movement nationwide.
Currently, the state is implementing active case finding through ASHAs. TB patients are paid Rs 1000 per month under Nikshay Poshan Yojana.
Director of Health Services Bijay Kumar Mohapatra, Mission Director of National Health Mission (NHM) Brundha D and Director of Public Health Nilakantha Mishra also spoke on the occasion.
