Telangana bags national award for excellence in TB testing during 100-day campaign

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda presenting the award to R.V. Karnan, managing director of the National Health Mission-Telangana, and A Rajesham, Joint Director (TB), Telangana, in New Delhi on World TB Day on Monday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Telangana has been recognised for its outstanding performance in tuberculosis (TB) testing, winning the Best National Performance Award in NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) testing during the 100-Day ‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ campaign. The award was presented by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda to R.V. Karnan, managing director of the National Health Mission-Telangana, and A.Rajesham, joint director (TB), Telangana, in New Delhi on World TB Day on Monday.

Dr.Rajesham said the award was conferred in recognition of achieving over 100% screening of the vulnerable population across all nine TB-affected districts in Telangana. More than 4,600 new TB cases were identified during the 100-day campaign. “To support patients undergoing treatment, a budget of ₹3.6 crore has been allocated from various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for six months of nutritional aid in the campaign districts. Further, six AI-enabled handheld portable X-ray devices have been procured by district administrations in Wanaparthy, Peddapalli, Mahabubnagar, Suryapet, and Bhadradri Kothagudem. An additional ₹5 crore has been allocated exclusively for the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana Direct Benefit Transfer payments to provide nutritional support to TB patients,” he said.

The Union Health Ministry, Launched The ‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ in Nine Districts. These include adilabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Medak, Nagarkurnool, Peddapalli, Suryaparty. The State Government has deployed 26 Mobile TB testing units equipped with digital x-ray machines and naat devices.

Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha congratulated the Health department on its achievement. “This award is a testament to our commitment to eradicating tuberculosis and brings us one step closer to our goal of a TB-free India by 2025. It highlights Telangana’s leadership and determination in the national fight against TB,” he said.