SRINAGAR, April 13, 2025 – Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, flagged off a Walkathon and Shikarathon from Nehru Park to SKICC on Saturday, aiming to raise public awareness about tuberculosis elimination. The event, part of the outreach activities for the 52nd Annual National Conference of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine , underscored the importance of community participation in disease prevention and health promotion.
Dr. Bilal emphasised that public engagement is crucial for strengthening the collective resolve to eliminate TB from the district. “Outreach activities like these align with this year’s theme: ‘Yes! We Can End TB — Commit, Invest and Deliver’,” he said, addressing participants. The initiative, a joint effort by the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Srinagar, District Tuberculosis Control Society Srinagar, and Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, saw enthusiastic participation from health experts, community members, and local youth.
The Walkathon featured participants marching with banners and placards, spreading messages about TB prevention, early detection, and treatment adherence. Simultaneously, the Shikarathon on Dal Lake highlighted Kashmir’s cultural heritage while promoting the cause, with shikaras adorned with TB awareness slogans. Both events aimed to engage diverse sections of society, reinforcing the need for unified action to combat the disease.
Dr. Bilal interacted with participants, stressing that TB is preventable and curable with timely intervention. “Community-driven efforts are vital to achieving a TB-free Srinagar,” he noted, urging citizens to support awareness campaigns and access free diagnostic and treatment services provided under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme .
The event concluded with pledges to sustain momentum toward TB elimination, with organisers planning further outreach to rural areas. The vibrant participation reflected Srinagar’s commitment to health promotion and eradicating TB, aligning with national goals to make India TB-free by 2025.
