How Gondia became state’s best in TB control efforts

Nagpur: Gondia district emerged as the top performer in Maharashtra for the effective implementation of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) in 2024. The district was awarded first place at the state-level Maharashtra Health Awards ceremony held in Mumbai on World Health Day on April 7.
The recognition came after a comprehensive assessment based on 14 performance indicators set by the central govt, covering the period from January to December 2024. Gondia scored an impressive 90 points, placing it ahead of all other districts in the state.
Gondia district TB officer Dr Abhijeet Golhar and his TB control team received this award on Monday in Mumbai. State health minister Prakash Abitkar, Legislative council chairman Ram Shinde, health secretary Dr Nipun Vinayak, public health secretary Virendra Singh, and National Health Mission Director Amogothu Nayak were present.
Expressing pride in the recognition, Dr Golhar said, "This was possible only because of collective efforts. The success of Gondia district is rooted in our three-pronged strategy of awareness, active surveillance, and timely treatment."
The district's TB team included medical officers Dr Vedprakash Chauragade and Dr Devdas Chandewar, DR-TB and HIV coordinator Chandrakant Bhujade, senior laboratory supervisors Pawan Wasnik and Bhojendrakumar Bopche, treatment supervisors Sanjay Bhagwatkar and Raju Meshram, and lab technician Amit Mandal, among others.
Despite challenges like geographical remoteness, tribal population, and areas affected by Naxal activity, Gondia's TB control team successfully implemented key strategies. "The ranking reflects the meticulous planning and supervision across all talukas, with full support from grassroots health workers," said Dr Golhar, acknowledging the role of the entire team from community health assistants to pharmacists and data entry operators.
District Zilla Parishad Vice-President and Health and Education Committee Chairperson Suresh Harshe, along with District Health Officer Dr Nitin Wankhede, also congratulated the TB department, noting, "Despite a shortage of health staff, the team has set a benchmark through excellent coordination and planning."
Dr Golhar also credited senior officials, including district collector Pranjit Nair, Zilla Parishad CEO M Murugantham, civil surgeon Dr Amrish Mohabe, Government Medical College Dean Dr Kusumakar Ghorpade, and taluka health officers for their guidance and support.
HOW GONDIA CRACKED TB CONTROL
* Active identification of suspected TB patients based on symptoms
* Free sputum tests, X-rays, and laboratory diagnostics
* Immediate initiation of free treatment for TB patients
* Regular follow-up and counselling
* Registration on Nikshay portal and provision of nutrition support under Nikshay Poshan Yojana
* Screening and treatment of close contacts
* Close monitoring to avoid adverse effects of TB medications