HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, March 20: A state-level workshop on TB Mukt Panchayat was successfully organised on March 20 at the Assam Agriculture International Guest House by the State TB Cell in collaboration with the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT). The workshop aimed at sensitizing officials about the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and promoting TB-free Gram Panchayats/Village Council Development Committees (VCDCs).
The event was graced by key dignitaries, including Indrani Laskar, Joint Secretary, Government of Assam, Health & Family Welfare Department; Rupjit Kr Das, Joint Commissioner (Monitoring), Government of Assam, PNRD Department; Umesh Phangsho, Director of Health Services; Dr Avijit Basu, State TB Officer; Dr Dhurbojyoti Deka, WHO Regional Team Lead; and WHO-NTEP consultants. Dr. Pranamika Sarmah, State Lead Assam from KHPT, led the discussions, which saw active participation from District TB Officers (DTOs) and representatives from the District Panchayat & Rural Development (P&RD) Department from all districts. The workshop focused on strengthening inter-departmental collaboration and driving efforts toward TB elimination at the grassroots level.
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Addressing the gathering, Indrani Laskar, Joint Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, emphasized the importance of increasing the number of Nikshay Mitras and enhancing district-level performance in TB elimination efforts. She highlighted the crucial role of community engagement in achieving the TB Mukt Bharat vision. During the 100-day intensified TB campaign (December 7, 2024 – March 17, 2025), over 60 lakh vulnerable individuals were screened across Assam, marking a significant milestone in the fight against TB. Speaking at the event, Umesh Phangsho, Director of Health Services, stressed the importance of community participation and stigma reduction in the journey towards a TB-free Assam. Dr. Dhurbojyoti Deka, WHO Regional Team Lead, applauded the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) Assam team and KHPT for organizing this crucial workshop, recognizing it as a vital step toward TB elimination.
The Assam Health and Family Welfare Department aimed to strengthen collaboration with the P&RD Department to accelerate efforts in declaring all Gaon Panchayats and VCDCs in Assam TB-free in the coming years. This workshop marks a significant milestone in Assam’s commitment to achieving a TB-free future through intersectoral cooperation and community-driven initiatives.
