168 Panchayats in Budgam declared TB-Free; certificates and Gandhi Emblems awarded
BUDGAM: A grand felicitation ceremony for the TB Mukt Panchayat Awards was held today at Sheikh-ul-Alam Hall, DC office Complex Budgam, to recognize and celebrate the efforts of panchayats and health workers in making Budgam a model district in the fight against tuberculosis (TB).
The felicitation function was presided over by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat.
The event marked a significant milestone under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), as 168 Panchayats across the district were officially recognized as TB-Free for the year 2024. Out of these, 105 Panchayats earned the Silver Status and 63 secured Bronze Status, based on national parameters laid out under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
On the occasion, DC praised the tireless efforts of grassroots health functionaries, including health workers, Panchayat Secretaries, Community Health Officers (CHOs), and field-level staff, whose dedication played a vital role in attaining the TB-Free status across Panchayats. He emphasized that this achievement was a result of sustained community participation, robust inter-departmental coordination, and unwavering dedication at all levels.
DC said, “This fight against TB is not yet over, we celebrate the success today, we must intensify our efforts and ensure that no household in Budgam is left behind in our goal of total TB eradication”.
During the event, DC felicitated Panchayat Secretaries and Health staff with Gandhi Emblems and Certificates of Appreciation, acknowledging their pivotal role in this public health success.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of Chief Medical Officer Budgam, District Health Officer, District Tuberculosis Officer, Block Medical Officers, Medical Officers-Tuberculosis Control, NTEP staff of District Tuberculosis Centre Budgam, Panchayat Secretaries, field-level health workers, and CHOs, among others.