Mumbai's Ambitious Mission to Eradicate Tuberculosis

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma on Tuesday launched the 'TB Mukt Mumbai' campaign, emphasising that making the city tuberculosis-free would set an example for public health governance not only for India but for the entire world.

The campaign, a joint initiative of BMC and Maharashtra Lok Bhavan under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, will be implemented at the Lokmanya Tilak Hospital in Sion.

Speaking at an event in Dharavi, the governor noted that Mumbai's high population density increases the transmission risk of infectious diseases, making public awareness and timely diagnosis critical to containment efforts.

''If we succeed in making Mumbai TB-free, it will not only serve as an example for India, but for the entire world. It will further strengthen Mumbai's global image and send out a message that any challenge can be overcome through public participation and effective administration,'' Verma said.

He stressed that students from universities and colleges, the Indian Red Cross Society, NCC cadets, volunteers of 'My Yuva Bharat', NGOs and various social organisations would actively participate in the campaign at different stages.

''I am confident that the citizens of Mumbai, with their sensitivity, discipline and sense of social responsibility, will make this campaign a success,'' he said.

Mayor Ritu Tawde, Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi, MLA Captain Tamil Selvan, MLA Dr Jyoti Gaikwad, MLA Sunil Shinde, doctors, ASHA workers, BMC officials and other dignitaries were present at the launch.

The governor also released an information booklet titled 'TB Mukt Mumbai Abhiyan' on the occasion. He felicitated NGOs supporting the TB Mukt Bharat campaign and Nikshay Mitras.

Earlier, Verma visited the Eknathrao Gaikwad Health Centre in Dharavi, where he interacted with TB officers, doctors, staff members and ASHA workers, and distributed nutrition kits to TB patients.

(With inputs from agencies.)