CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: World TB Day Observed Across Bhopal with Awareness and Screening Camps

On the occasion of World TB Day, awareness and screening activities were conducted at multiple locations across Bhopal to spread information about tuberculosis (TB) and promote early detection. Special awareness programs and screening camps were held in all government health institutions of the district for TB and other non-communicable diseases. Activities like TB awareness rallies, rangoli, poster competitions, and signature campaigns were organized to educate people about the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of TB.

This year, the day was observed with the global theme: “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”

A dedicated awareness and screening camp was held at Govindpura Industrial Area for workers, their families, and local residents. TB Champions shared their experiences. Those who had made remarkable contributions to the TB elimination program were felicitated with appreciation certificates, administered the TB Elimination Pledge, and food baskets were distributed.

Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari, CMHO (Chief Medical & Health Officer) Bhopal, addressed the gathering, sharing insights into the efforts being made toward TB elimination and the concept of TB-free gram panchayats. At the camp, 218 people underwent health check-ups, and 150 people received eye screenings via a mobile eye testing unit.

Dr. Tiwari emphasized the importance of early symptom recognition and timely diagnosis at health centers. He informed that 17 gram panchayats in Bhopal were declared TB-free last year, and 77 more are being announced TB-free this year. TB patients are also provided with monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 during their treatment.

The district is actively working on notification, Nikshay Mitra registration, Nikshay Poshan Yojana expansion, epidemiological interventions, and coordination with private healthcare providers. Regular monitoring of Nikshay portal entries is being conducted. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, a 100-day Nikshay campaign has been launched. Deputy CM Shri Rajendra Shukla is leading efforts to accelerate TB elimination activities.

Bhopal has set a benchmark in the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program, identifying the highest number of TB patients in the state. In 2024 alone, 13,336 TB cases were identified and treated in Bhopal. Screening has been conducted in high-risk zones including old age homes, shelters, central jail, industrial units, public fairs, police departments, sanitation workers under the Municipal Corporation, hostels, and under-construction buildings.

In addition, intensive awareness activities continue at railway stations, bus stands, markets, and public events. These efforts include awareness campaigns, testing, sputum collection for suspected TB cases, creation of presumptive IDs on the Nikshay portal, DOTS availability, treatment support, and continuous monitoring.

Recovered TB patients are now designated as TB Champions to spread motivation and awareness. Nikshay Mitras (volunteer sponsors) are being encouraged to support TB patients with nutritional needs during treatment. Many public representatives, administrative officers, industrialists, and members of civil society in the district have come forward as Nikshay Mitras.

As part of the National TB Elimination Program, TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) is being recommended for family members and other high-risk groups living with TB patients, using the C-TB Skin Test. These tests are being conducted free of cost at:

AIIMS Bhopal

JP District Hospital (1250)

District TB Centre Itwara

TB Hospital Idgah Hills

Civil Hospital Berasia

Civil Hospital Bairagarh

CHC Kolar

Jawaharlal Nehru Gas Relief Hospital

Pulmonary Gas Relief Hospital

CHC Gandhi Nagar

PHC Misrod

Civil Dispensary Kamla Nagar

These collective efforts are strengthening Bhopal’s journey toward becoming a TB-free district through community engagement, early diagnosis, treatment, and awareness.

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