Telangana Governor calls for people’s movement to eradicate TB
Hyderabad, Oct 2 (TNT): Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Friday called for greater public participation in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), urging people to combat the disease rather than stigmatise patients.
Speaking after inaugurating the 77th TB Seal Sale Campaign, organised by the Telangana TB Association at Lok Bhavan on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the Governor stressed the need to dispel misconceptions and eliminate the social stigma associated with the disease.
Shukla said the campaign reflected society’s compassion and collective responsibility towards TB patients.
The fight against TB had evolved into a people’s movement under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Nikshay Mitras providing nutritional and other support to patients, he said.
Noting that nearly 90 per cent of TB patients in Telangana successfully completed their treatment in 2025, the Governor called for concerted efforts to achieve a 100 per cent treatment success rate.
He said he had reviewed TB eradication initiatives with district Collectors and medical officials during his visits to various districts.
The Governor said Lok Bhavan would continue to act as a catalyst and coordination centre for public welfare initiatives.
He appreciated the Telangana TB Association for conducting digital X-rays and active case-finding programmes through mobile vehicles, particularly in remote and tribal areas.
He stressed that nutritional support and social dignity, along with medical treatment, were essential for patients’ recovery.
Shukla appealed to the public to contribute generously to the campaign and encouraged individuals to become Nikshay Mitras by providing nutritional support to at least one TB patient for six months.
He also urged students and young people to serve as health ambassadors by spreading awareness about TB symptoms and preventive measures.
Calling for collective action, the Governor said, “TB will be defeated, Telangana will win! TB will be defeated, India will win!”
Telangana TB Association vice-president Dr C N Prasad, general secretary D Balachandra, joint director Dr C Sumalatha and Joint Secretary to the Governor Shashi Kiranachari attended the programme.
TNT TS
