District Administration Urges Industry Leaders to Combat Tuberculosis

The district administration of Amritsar has officially appealed to industry leaders and factory owners to assist in the eradication of tuberculosis (TB) among workers. This initiative comes as part of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, a national campaign aimed at eliminating TB in India. A significant meeting was convened under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney and Civil Surgeon Dr. Kirandeep Kaur, gathering key industry representatives to strategize on creating TB-free workplaces.

The meeting, held on July 19, 2025, emphasized the critical need for proactive measures in workplaces to detect and treat TB effectively. Deputy Commissioner Sawhney articulated the program’s primary objectives: to identify and treat TB patients at work sites, enhance awareness about the disease, and provide nutritional and vocational support to those affected. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), TB remains a leading infectious disease worldwide, necessitating comprehensive strategies for control and prevention, especially in high-burden areas like India.

Dr. Paritosh Dhawan, a WHO representative, addressed the gathering, highlighting the program's goal of eradicating TB from the district by locating hidden cases and ensuring they receive free treatment. Civil Surgeon Dr. Kirandeep Kaur further elaborated on the initiative, outlining that all workers in industries and factories would be screened, with special medical camps organized to facilitate this effort. She stated, “TB patients will receive nutritional support, diagnostic support, and vocational training to reintegrate them into the workforce.”

The initiative also includes registering patients under the Ni-kshay Mitra program, which aims to provide nutritious food to TB patients, thereby enhancing their recovery prospects. Dr. Kaur affirmed that all medical tests and treatments would be provided free of charge, with additional financial assistance available to support patients during their treatment process.

District TB Officer Dr. Vijay Gotwal and other officials expressed their commitment to collaborate with industry leaders in this significant public health endeavor. The district's administration recognizes the vital role of local industries in fostering a healthier workforce and reducing the burden of TB. The coordinated efforts of the administration, healthcare professionals, and industry stakeholders could pave the way for a TB-free Amritsar and contribute positively to the national goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025.

The significance of this initiative cannot be overstated, given the current statistics indicating that India accounts for a substantial proportion of the global TB burden. According to the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), India reported over 2.6 million TB cases in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention strategies.

In conclusion, the collaboration between the district administration and industrialists marks a crucial step towards addressing the TB crisis in India. By leveraging industrial resources and workforce outreach, this initiative aims to create a sustainable model for TB prevention and treatment. Future assessments will be essential to gauge the effectiveness of these strategies and ensure that the goal of a TB-free country is realized.