TB-Free Milestone Reached in Ganjam District

Ganjam’s Major Public Health Achievement

TB-Free Milestone Reached in Ganjam District: Ganjam district in Odisha has achieved a significant milestone by declaring 165 gram panchayats as tuberculosis-free. This marks a crucial step toward India’s national goal of eliminating TB by 2027, driven through community-based public health models. The recognition strengthens the district’s position as a leading performer in TB control.

Static GK fact: India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) is one of the world’s largest disease-control programmes.

Recognition of TB Mukta Panchayats

District authorities organised a felicitation ceremony in Berhampur, honouring local representatives for meeting the national requirements for TB-free certification. Officials highlighted the commitment of panchayat leaders, frontline workers and volunteers who ensured active community participation. Their involvement has improved screening, awareness, and treatment adherence across the district.

Static GK fact: Odisha has over 6,700 gram panchayats, making grassroots health initiatives crucial for state-wide outcomes.

Certification Requirements for TB-Free Status

The TB Mukta Panchayat initiative sets strict benchmarks for certification. Each panchayat must ensure collection of 30 samples per 1,000 population, which helps maintain active surveillance. Active TB cases must either be zero or kept below one per cent per 1,000 people, ensuring minimal disease burden.

Additionally, every diagnosed patient must complete treatment without interruption. This is supported through the Nikshay Mitra scheme, which provides nutritional assistance during recovery. Only panchayats fulfilling all these parameters receive TB-free status.

Static GK Tip: World Tuberculosis Day is observed on 24 March every year to commemorate Dr. Robert Koch’s discovery of the TB bacillus in 1882.

Declining TB Trend Across the District

Ganjam has reported a sharp and consistent fall in TB cases. Between January and October 2025, the district recorded 4,986 cases, significantly lower than 6,540 in 2024 and 6,698 in 2023. The death rate has also reduced from 4–4.5% four years ago to 1.5% in 2025, reflecting strong improvements in treatment and community engagement.

More than 3,500 patients have received nutritional support this year through Nikshay Mitra. Officials credit this support for better recovery rates and greater adherence to treatment guidelines.

Static GK fact: Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily affects the lungs.

Road Ahead for Full TB Elimination

Authorities emphasised that while progress is encouraging, continued vigilance is essential. The district aims to certify 220 additional panchayats as TB-free by next year. Future efforts will focus on expanding active screening, ensuring uninterrupted medicine supply, and scaling up nutrition support to all vulnerable patients.

The ultimate goal is to achieve complete TB elimination in Ganjam by 2027, aligning with India’s national health targets. Strengthened community participation and sustained local leadership remain central to achieving district-wide success.

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TB-Free Milestone Reached in Ganjam District: