Kurukshetra set to become India’s first TB-free district: DC Neha Singh

KURUKSHETRA: Kurukshetra is on track to become the first tuberculosis (TB)-free district in India, announced deputy commissioner (DC) Neha Singh. Speaking at the “One Step Towards TB-Free India” Panchayat Felicitation Ceremony and TB Forum meeting, organized under the National Health Mission, Singh highlighted the district’s significant progress in the fight against tuberculosis.
Out of the 403 villages in Kurukshetra, 136 have already been declared TB-free, with a roadmap in place to make the remaining 267 villages TB-free in the near future. Health screenings in these villages are set to begin shortly, and the active participation of gram panchayats is being seen as crucial to achieving this goal.
“We are committed to fulfilling the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Nayab Singh Saini to make Kurukshetra TB-free,” said Singh. “With the combined efforts of the administration, health department, and local communities, we aim to achieve this historic milestone by 2025.”
During the event at the Mini Secretariat auditorium, 24 gram panchayats were honoured with silver trophies for maintaining TB-free status for a second consecutive year. Villages like Khanpur Rodan, Khijarpura, Ravgarh, Mundakhera, Derumajra, Shadipur and Jogi Majra were among those recognized.
According to data presented by chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Sukhbir Singh and deputy CMO Dr Sandeep Agarwal, 33 villages achieved TB-free status in 2023, followed by 136 in 2024. In the screening process, 30 individuals per 1,000 population were tested. Villages with fewer than one TB case per 1,000 people qualify as TB-free.
Kurukshetra currently operates six TB units and 14 DMC units, including facilities at Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College.
Singh emphasized that TB is curable and urged Block Development Officers and Panchayat leaders to spread awareness and report any symptoms among villagers. Schools are also being engaged, with Block Education Officers instructed to educate students about TB symptoms to help protect families.
She further appealed to panchayats to adopt TB patients and support them by providing food basket kits, a crucial element in the patient's recovery.