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Lucknow, January 3, 2025 — In a groundbreaking move to eradicate Tuberculosis (TB) from Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a visionary initiative on Thursday, enlisting the support of retired IAS and IPS officers, former Vice Chancellors, and senior citizens as ‘Nikshay Mitras.’ This program aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious vision of a ‘TB-Free India’ by 2025, five years ahead of the global target set by the World Health Organization.
The ‘Nikshay Mitra’ initiative calls upon these esteemed individuals to use their experience and influence to raise public awareness, provide guidance, and support TB eradication efforts. Addressing a gathering of senior citizens and retired officials, CM Adityanath emphasized the urgency of combating TB, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, the country’s most populous state and a critical contributor to India’s health goals.
“A strong India can only emerge from a healthy India,” said the Chief Minister. “India will gain true power when it becomes TB-free. Your cooperation in this mission is vital for its success.”
Steady Progress in TB Elimination
CM Adityanath outlined the state’s achievements in tackling TB, highlighting a quadrupling of testing rates and significant upgrades in diagnostic tools such as Nat and X-ray machines. He revealed that the success rate of TB treatment in the state has surged from 79% to 92% in the past four years, reflecting Uttar Pradesh’s determination to lead the national campaign.
Under the ‘Nikshay Poshan Yojana,’ the state has disbursed ₹775 crore to the accounts of 27 lakh TB patients via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to support their nutritional needs. Additionally, preventive treatment is being provided to individuals living with TB patients to curb the disease’s spread.
Public Participation Key to Success
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of public participation in achieving the campaign’s goals. Over 45,000 Nikshay Mitras have adopted TB patients, and 1,372 Gram Panchayats have already been declared TB-free. He called on retired officers and educationists to leverage their expertise and societal influence to advance the mission further.
“Every TB patient deserves immediate and sustained medical care, proper nutrition, and family screening to prevent the spread of this disease,” he said. “As Nikshay Mitras, you can provide these individuals with the guidance, support, and motivation they need to recover and thrive.”
National Mission, Local Commitment
The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s dedication to eradicating TB, describing the campaign’s primary objectives: identifying undiagnosed patients, reducing TB-related mortality, and protecting healthy individuals from infection. He appealed to society to treat TB patients with respect and dignity, urging all stakeholders to unite in this noble cause.
The gathering of retired officers and Vice Chancellors pledged their full cooperation, vowing to contribute to the state’s TB-free mission. Their involvement marks a unique collaboration, showcasing how collective societal efforts can lead to transformative outcomes in public health.
This initiative signals Uttar Pradesh’s unwavering commitment to not only meet but exceed India’s health targets, reinforcing the belief that a healthier society is the foundation of a stronger nation.
