Srinagar, July 8, 2025 – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level review meeting with Deputy Commissioners (DCs), health officials, and key stakeholders to assess the implementation and progress of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA) in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The meeting focused on accelerating efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, aligning with India’s goal to eradicate TB five years ahead of the global 2030 target.The PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, emphasizes intensified screening, advanced diagnostics, and community engagement to achieve a TB-free India. The meeting reviewed Jammu & Kashmir’s contributions to the recently concluded 100-Day Intensified Campaign, which screened 12.97 crore individuals across 347 priority districts nationwide, detecting 7.19 lakh TB cases, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic cases.
Emphasis on Media for AwarenessLieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha underscored the critical role of various forms of media in generating awareness about all aspects of TB, including prevention, early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and destigmatization. He urged the Health Department to leverage print, digital, and social media platforms, alongside community radio, local influencers, and traditional media, to educate the public and dispel myths surrounding TB. “Effective use of media is key to reaching every household and ensuring no one is left unaware of TB’s curability,” Sinha stated during the meeting.Exhortation to Health DepartmentLieutenant Governor Sinha exhorted the Health Department to ensure that its field functionaries work tirelessly to drive the success of the PMTBMBA. He emphasized the importance of grassroots-level efforts, directing field workers to intensify door-to-door screening, engage with local communities, and ensure timely follow-up for diagnosed patients. “Our field functionaries are the backbone of this campaign. Their relentless efforts will determine our success in making Jammu & Kashmir TB-free,” he remarked.Key Highlights of the Review MeetingSinha stressed the need for a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach to achieve a TB-free Jammu & Kashmir. Discussions centered on improving disease surveillance, enhancing access to care in remote areas, and reducing stigma associated with TB. The meeting also reviewed the region’s performance in the 100-day campaign and outlined strategies to sustain momentum.Key Objectives Discussed
- Strengthening Screening Efforts: Prioritizing identification of asymptomatic cases in high-risk populations.
- Community Engagement: Collaborating with local leaders, NGOs, and faith-based organizations to raise awareness.
- Infrastructure Development: Ensuring availability of advanced diagnostic tools and treatment facilities.
- Destigmatization: Addressing social stigma through targeted awareness campaigns to encourage early diagnosis and treatment.
Progress in Jammu & KashmirAs part of the PMTBMBA, three districts in Jammu & Kashmir have been declared TB Mukt, showcasing significant progress in the Union Territory’s TB elimination efforts. While specific data for Jammu & Kashmir’s contribution to the 100-day campaign was not detailed, the national outcomes provide context for regional efforts:
| Metric | National Outcome (100-Day Campaign) |
|---|---|
| Individuals Screened | 12.97 crore |
| TB Cases Detected | 7.19 lakh |
| Asymptomatic TB Cases Identified | 2.85 lakh |
| Priority Districts Covered | 347 |
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed officials to ensure targeted interventions in high-focus areas, particularly in rural and remote regions. He emphasised leveraging technology, such as new-generation diagnostics, to improve detection rates and treatment accessibility.Challenges and StrategiesThe meeting identified challenges specific to Jammu & Kashmir, including geographical barriers, limited healthcare infrastructure in certain areas, and social stigma. To address these, the following strategies were proposed:
| Challenge | Proposed Strategy |
|---|---|
| Geographical Barriers | Deploy mobile health units and teleconsultation services to reach remote areas. |
| Limited Diagnostic Facilities | Provide portable X-ray machines and molecular testing kits. |
| Social Stigma | Launch awareness campaigns involving community and religious leaders to reduce stigma. |
| Data Management | Integrate digital health platforms for real-time TB case tracking. |
Statements from Lieutenant Governor Manoj SinhaLieutenant Governor Sinha reiterated the importance of a “whole of government, whole of society” approach to TB elimination, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. He urged officials to prioritize early detection, cleanliness, and community-driven initiatives to meet the 2025 target. “TB is curable, and we must ensure that no one is left behind in our fight to make Jammu & Kashmir TB-free,” Sinha stated. He also praised the Health Department’s efforts in declaring three districts TB-free and called for replicating this success across the Union Territory.
National ContextThe PMTBMBA is a cornerstone of India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), with significant progress reported nationwide. Prime Minister Modi, in a review meeting on May 13, 2025, highlighted the role of technology and targeted interventions in making TB treatment more accessible. The 100-day campaign’s success in identifying asymptomatic cases was noted as a critical step toward TB elimination.
Way Forward for Jammu & KashmirLieutenant Governor Sinha instructed DCs and health officials to submit detailed progress reports and action plans to sustain the momentum of the PMTBMBA. Key priorities include:
- Expanding Ni-Kshay Mitras (volunteers supporting TB patients) to provide nutritional and emotional support.
- Strengthening partnerships with private healthcare providers.
- Conducting regular follow-up meetings to monitor progress and address bottlenecks.
- Utilising media campaigns to ensure widespread awareness of TB prevention and treatment.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to make Jammu & Kashmir a model for TB elimination, aligning with the national vision of a TB Mukt Bharat by 2025.
