MoH&FW awards gold medal to J&K’s three districts under National TB elimination prog

Anantnag, Pulwama & Kupwara receive gold medal for 60-80 per cent reduction in TB cases

Jammu Kashmir Health & Medical Education Department’s efforts towards TB elimination received major validation with three districts of Union Territory – Anantnag, Pulwama and Kupwara receiving gold medals under the Sub National Certification for TB Elimination programme in the country. The activity was undertaken by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. 

A total of eight districts in the country were awarded the Gold medal and J&K has three districts on this list. Five other districts which have secured gold medals are Malappuram and Wayanad in Kerala, Khargone in Madhya Pradesh, Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, and Purba Medinipur in West Bengal. All these districts have shown 60-80 per cent reduction in TB cases in the last five years.

The fourth entry from the UT, Baramulla got the Bronze medal under this programme.

Speaking on this achievement, Vivek Bhardwaj, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department, J&K said, “Gold medal to three districts of Jammu & Kashmir reflects the hard work put in by the district administration and healthcare officials towards the elimination of TB from the Union Territory. We are aligned with the Government of India’s vision to eliminate tuberculosis from the country by 2025. This recognition of our efforts will motivate the grassroot teams associated with the tuberculosis elimination programme to work with greater enthusiasm.” 

Dr Rubeena Shaheen, State Tuberculosis Officer (STO) said, “Out of eight districts selected for the gold medal from across the country, three are from J&K. This is a matter of pride for the entire Heath Department of UT. On behalf of the entire team, we thank the Government of India for recognising our efforts.” 

Dr Syed Faheem Aalam, District TB Officer, Anantnag said, “On behalf of all the healthcare workers and officials of the Anantnag district, we express gratitude to the UT government for constant guidance and support in executing the TB elimination programme in the district. This recognition will motivate us further to eliminate tuberculosis for the district completely by 2025.”