A nutrition support programme for tuberculosis patients was launched in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands after CSL AN Ship Repair Unit (CANSRU) partnered with Sewa International and the Health Department Andaman & Nicobar Administration to strengthen treatment support under the National TB Elimination Programme and Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The initiative aims to provide sustained nutritional assistance to TB patients to improve recovery outcomes and treatment adherence.
The programme focuses on supplying monthly nutritional kits to patients undergoing tuberculosis treatment across the islands. Health officials emphasised that malnutrition remains a major risk factor for TB, and adequate nutrition during treatment plays a critical role in improving patient outcomes. The project, titled “Nutrition Support for TB Patients at Andaman & Nicobar Islands,” seeks to address these challenges through regular dietary supplementation.
Cochin Shipyard Limited is supporting the initiative as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, with coordination handled through CANSRU. Organisers said the project reflects how corporate participation can reinforce government public health programmes, particularly in geographically remote regions where healthcare access and logistics remain challenging.
The implementing agency, Sewa International, New Delhi, has experience in community health and social service initiatives. The organisation is responsible for distributing nutritional kits and coordinating outreach activities aligned with TB awareness and support programmes in the islands.
The launch ceremony took place at Marine Hall Aberdeen Bazar Sri Vijaya Puram. Vijay Kumar from the Directorate of Shipping Services and H.M. Siddaraju from the Directorate of Health Services attended as guests of honour.
Other participants included Sreekanth V, Binu K Kuriakose, K.G. Shyam Parande, Jinesh Lal, P. Lal, Sasindradas P.S., Yusaf A.K. and Mathew Varghese, representing both corporate and public health stakeholders involved in the initiative.
During the event, nutritional kits were distributed directly to TB patients. Organisers said the distribution symbolised continued commitment by CANSRU and partner agencies to support community health and strengthen TB control measures in the islands.
Officials noted that TB elimination programmes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands emphasise awareness, early diagnosis and nutritional support as essential components of treatment. Limited healthcare infrastructure and logistical constraints in remote island regions make coordinated partnerships crucial for effective disease control.
The initiative also aligns with the broader national mission supported through Nikshay Mitra, which encourages institutional and community participation in supporting TB patients.
CANSRU employees participated in the launch event, reinforcing the unit’s involvement in public health outreach alongside its ship repair operations. Organisers stated that continued collaboration among government agencies, corporates and social organisations remains key to sustaining TB elimination efforts in remote regions.
