In a concerted effort to accelerate the national goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025, the District Administration of South Andaman convened a review meeting today under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The session, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Arjun Sharma, IAS, was held in the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office and brought together senior officials from the Health Department, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and other line departments.
The review aimed to assess the progress achieved so far in implementing the Abhiyaan and to outline strategies for completing the remaining targets. Officials reported significant advancement, with South Andaman having successfully completed the screening of vulnerable populations , a crucial milestone in the district’s fight against tuberculosis. The achievement marks an encouraging step toward building a TB-free district and aligns South Andaman’s efforts with the national momentum to eradicate the disease.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner acknowledged the dedicated work of healthcare professionals, field workers, and partner agencies. He emphasized the importance of sustaining this momentum through strengthened diagnostic infrastructure and early intervention. Special attention was given to improving the utilization of X-ray and NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) facilities to enhance detection rates and ensure prompt treatment of identified cases.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Health Department to expedite efforts in completing pending diagnostic and treatment targets, reiterating that timely diagnosis and follow-up care are vital to achieving lasting results. He also underscored the need for inter-departmental collaboration, urging all concerned wings of the Administration to coordinate effectively in awareness generation, resource allocation, and monitoring.
Officials discussed strategies to further engage local communities in the TB Mukt Bharat campaign through awareness activities and outreach programmes. The focus, they noted, should remain on educating citizens about the symptoms of TB, encouraging voluntary testing, and ensuring that those under treatment complete their prescribed medication courses. Strengthening grassroots-level participation was seen as key to sustaining the campaign’s success.
Participants from ICMR and other technical agencies highlighted the role of continuous monitoring and the integration of digital tools in improving surveillance and reporting systems. Data-driven approaches, they suggested, could help identify emerging trends and ensure rapid response mechanisms, particularly in remote or under-served areas of the district.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Administration’s commitment to the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, echoing the vision of a TB-free India set forth by the Prime Minister. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that while progress has been steady, sustained effort and vigilance are needed to achieve the ambitious goal by 2025. He assured that regular review meetings will continue to track progress, resolve bottlenecks, and maintain accountability at every administrative level.
South Andaman’s proactive approach to the TB elimination mission reflects the broader national emphasis on preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, and community involvement. With continued focus on strengthening diagnostic capacity and mobilizing public awareness, the district is positioning itself as one of the frontrunners in the nationwide effort to eradicate tuberculosis.
As the campaign advances, officials remain optimistic that the combination of robust governance, community cooperation, and medical innovation will bring South Andaman closer to realizing the vision of a TB-free future.
