The Eastern Voice Correspondent

Aurangabad. A program for the distribution of nutrition kits to TB patients was organized at the Town Hall within the Collectorate premises. The event was held under the joint aegis of the Health Department (Government of Bihar) and the District Administration, Aurangabad and was presided over by District Magistrate Smt. Abhilasha Sharma.
The program commenced with the Civil Surgeon welcoming the District Magistrate by presenting a sapling. Subsequently, other dignitaries on the dais were also welcomed by Health Department officials through the presentation of saplings.
In his address, the Civil Surgeon noted that TB is an ancient disease formerly known as “Kshay Rog” which was once considered incurable. However, it is now a fully treatable disease, provided it is detected early and medication is taken regularly for six months.
He explained that potential patients are identified and tested through ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers and treatment begins immediately upon confirmation of TB. He emphasized that even if a patient moves to a different location during the treatment period, they must continue taking the medication regularly, as the drugs are available free of cost at all government health institutions across the country.
In her address, District Magistrate Smt. Abhilasha Sharma stated that the ‘Pradhan Mantri TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ is not merely a health program but a campaign.With this objective, nutrition kits are being provided to TB patients under the ‘Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ (Prime Minister’s TB-Free India Campaign) with the support of ‘Nikshay Mitras’ and various institutions.
He noted that when the campaign review began in the district, the number of TB screenings stood at only around 15,000. Thanks to the coordinated efforts and continuous monitoring ,number of screenings surged to approximately 290,000 in just one month. This achievement was lauded at the state level and Aurangabad emerged as one of the leading districts in the state.
He mentioned that 1,951 TB patients have currently been notified in the district, and this figure may rise as the screening campaign continues. The district administration aims to provide nutrition kits to approximately 2,000 patients every month for a period of six months. The District Magistrate stated that the Health Department, in consultation with experts, has made necessary improvements to the contents of the nutrition kits.
He noted that out of the 1,951 currently notified patients, 300 received nutrition kits at the event venue today. The remaining patients will receive their kits in a phased manner through camps organized at the block level; this approach aims to prevent overcrowding and minimize the risk of infection spread.
He emphasized that TB is a completely curable disease.