Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 24: On the occasion of World TB Day and the national launch of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – 100 Days Campaign, Ms. Purva Garg, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, declared 14 Gram Panchayats as TB Mukt Panchayats and presented certificates to their respective Pradhans. The Gram Panchayats recognized under South Andaman district include Beodnabad, Shoal Bay, Wimberlygunj, Stewartgunj, Ferrargunj, Tushnabad, Mithakhari, Chouldari, Guptapara, Bambooflat II, Collinpur, Netaji Nagar, Rabindra Nagar, and Vivekanandapur.
Among these, Gram Panchayat Collinpur was awarded Silver Certification for consistently maintaining its TB Mukt status, while the remaining 13 Gram Panchayats received Bronze Certification.
The assessment was based on prescribed indicators such as presumptive TB examination rate per 1,000 population, notification rate, drug susceptibility testing rate, treatment success rate (2024), implementation of the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, and provision of nutritional support to TB patients.
On the event, the District TB Officer (South Andaman) briefed on the TB Mukt Panchayat Initiative and the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – 100 Days Campaign, emphasizing the crucial role of public representatives in achieving the campaign objectives.
Earlier, World TB Day 2026 was observed at District Hospital, Garacharma, with the theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Bharat, Powered by Jan Bhagidari.” The programme commenced with a briefing by the District TB Officer, South Andaman, who elaborated on TB screening and awareness activities undertaken in the district. The Chief Medical Officer, District Hospital Garacharma, delivered an awareness talk on tuberculosis.
During the event, Nikshay Mitras were felicitated, and best-performing staff from the previous phase of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan were honored. Additionally, all Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across South Andaman district observed World TB Day through various activities such as rallies, rangoli competitions, felicitation of Nikshay Mitras, and recognition of outstanding staff for their contributions during the previous campaign phase.
The District Administration reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a TB-free South Andaman through sustained efforts, inter-departmental coordination, and active public participation.
