Former IAS, IPS Officers and Ex-Vice Chancellors Join Forces as 'Nikshay Mitras' to Promote a TB-Free Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, Jan 2 (NationPress) In a unique initiative to eliminate Tuberculosis (TB) from Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated a program on Thursday aimed at hastening advancements towards this goal.

The UP CM has assigned retired IAS and IPS officers, ex-Vice Chancellors, educators, and other senior citizens to the role of 'Nikshay Mitra', a program that aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a 'TB-free India'.

As 'Nikshay Mitras', these individuals will play a vital role in enhancing public awareness and backing efforts to eliminate TB. During a meeting with senior citizens on Thursday, the Chief Minister highlighted the significance of their involvement in ensuring the success of the 'TB-Free Uttar Pradesh' initiative.

In a dedicated session with retired IAS and IPS officers, former Vice Chancellors, and senior citizens, CM Adityanath reiterated Prime Minister Modi's vision of a 'TB-Free India' and stated, "A robust India can only emerge from a healthy India, and true power will be attained when India becomes strong."

The Chief Minister emphasized the urgency of TB eradication, pointing out that while the World Health Organization has set 2030 as the global target for a TB-free world, Prime Minister Modi has ambitiously moved India's goal to 2025.

He noted that India has the highest number of TB patients worldwide, and as Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state, its contribution is essential to achieving this national objective.

The Chief Minister elaborated on the significant progress made in Uttar Pradesh towards TB elimination, stating, "TB testing rates in the state have increased fourfold in recent years, the number of Nat and X-ray machines has greatly enhanced diagnostic capabilities, and the success rate of TB treatment has improved from 79 percent to 92 percent over the last four years."

"Under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, Rs 775 crore has been distributed through DBT to the accounts of 27 lakh TB patients to aid their nutritional needs, and preventive treatment is being offered to those living with TB patients to mitigate the disease's spread," he added.

Emphasizing public involvement, the Chief Minister pointed out that over 45,000 Nikshay Mitras have taken on the responsibility of TB patients, and 1,372 Gram Panchayats in the state have already been declared TB-free.

He appealed to retired officers and educators to utilize their extensive experience and societal commitment in contributing to this national mission. He stressed that every TB patient requires immediate, precise, and continuous medical care, along with adequate nutrition and family screening, to prevent further spread of the disease.

"TB patients are vital members of our community, and it is our collective duty to ensure they are treated with respect and dignity. As Nikshay Mitras, you can provide them with guidance, support, and motivation," the Chief Minister remarked.

He also outlined the primary objectives of the campaign: identifying undiagnosed TB cases, minimizing TB-related deaths, and protecting healthy individuals from infection.

The Chief Minister further reaffirmed the state government's steadfast commitment to achieving a TB-free Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing the need to engage all sectors of society in this mission.

The retired officers and Vice Chancellors also expressed their full support for this crucial initiative.