Sri Vijaya Puram, October 29: Workplace-based tuberculosis screening and awareness are being introduced at Lok Niwas as part of efforts to strengthen early detection and preventive healthcare in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Lieutenant Governor Dinesh Sharma launched the TB-Free Workplace Initiative on October 28, alongside screening for tuberculosis (TB) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among employees.
The initiative seeks to integrate TB awareness, screening and preventive healthcare into workplace settings, encouraging employees to participate in elimination efforts and support an environment where people can seek early diagnosis and treatment.
During the launch, Sharma administered the TB-Free India Pledge to those present. Participants pledged to raise awareness about the disease, support affected individuals and families, facilitate access to healthcare services and contribute to the national goal of eliminating tuberculosis.
A presentation by the Health Department outlined progress under the TB-Free India Campaign in the islands. Officials reported that mapping of the identified target population had reached 100 per cent. They also reported that 38 Gram Panchayats and 18 tribal villages were declared TB-free in 2025.
The figures formed part of the department’s account of the campaign’s progress, with the presentation highlighting community participation and coordinated public health action as elements of the elimination effort.
The screening of Lok Niwas employees for TB and NCDs accompanied the launch, bringing disease detection into the workplace. The exercise also addressed preventive healthcare beyond tuberculosis through checks for non-communicable diseases.
The initiative places workplace awareness and screening alongside broader campaign activities in the islands. Its stated objectives include encouraging employees to engage in TB elimination efforts, helping affected people and families access support, and promoting timely detection and treatment.
The Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health), Secretary (Health), other officials and Lok Niwas employees attended the launch.
The department’s reported progress includes complete mapping of the identified target population and the declaration of 56 Gram Panchayats and tribal villages as TB-free in 2025. The next stage of the workplace initiative will depend on how screening and awareness activities are taken forward across workplaces.
