A unified step toward “TB-Mukt Bharat-World Tuberculosis Day 2026” was observed with great enthusiasm by the Department of Community Medicine, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), through impactful initiatives at both Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), Kalarabanka and Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC), Bhubaneswar. These activities highlighted the institution’s strong commitment to the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) and the vision of a TB-free India.
RHTC Kalarabanka Activities
At RHTC Kalarabanka, the program was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Sai Chandan Das and Dr. Geeta Chand Acharya, with guidance from Prof. (Dr.) Sonali Kar. An awareness program was organized at a local school where students were educated about tuberculosis, including its symptoms, prevention, and treatment, with active participation making the session interactive and impactful while encouraging students to act as health ambassadors in their communities. A field visit to CHC Nischintakoili, Cuttack, was also conducted, during which data on TB patients currently on treatment was collected, and insights into treatment protocols including Directly Observed Treatment (DOTS) and management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) were reviewed. Participants were also exposed to the working principles of the TrueNat system, focusing on rapid molecular TB transmission. These activities enhanced practical understanding of TB control strategies at the grassroots level and reinforced the importance of early detection and treatment adherence in achieving TB elimination. diagnosis, detection of rifampicin resistance, and the importance of early and accurate diagnosis in controlling.
UHTC Bhubaneswar Activities
At UHTC Bhubaneswar, World TB Day activities were extended to March 25, 2026, with a high-impact outreach program conducted in Panda Park Basti, targeting underserved urban populations. The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Prem Sagar Panda, with contributions from Prof. (Dr.) Basanta Kumar Behera and supervision by Prof. (Dr.) Sonali Kar. Health education sessions emphasized early detection, particularly the need for testing in cases of persistent cough lasting two weeks or more, and highlighted the importance of strict treatment adherence to prevent drug resistance. Awareness was also created regarding the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, which provides financial support for nutritional needs during treatment, and strong efforts were made to reduce stigma by reinforcing that TB is a curable disease and patients should not face social isolation. A pledge-taking ceremony was conducted where community members committed to creating a TB-Mukt Basti by supporting each other, monitoring symptoms, and seeking timely care. The outreach also included distribution of bilingual IEC materials, demonstration of proper cough etiquette, and guidance on accessing free diagnostic and treatment services at UHTC. The program saw active participation from postgraduate students Dr. Priyanka Mohanty, Dr. Ayesha Das, and Dr. Subhadra Mishra, along with healthcare workers, ensuring effective community engagement and strengthening public awareness and service utilization.
The combined efforts of faculties, postgraduate students, healthcare workers, and community members reflect a unified and determined push toward TB Mukt Bharat.
