JOSH team introduced in Thoothukudi to intensify TB awareness and prevention activities

As part of the TB-free India campaign, the JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) team comprising youth and volunteers was introduced in Thoothukudi district to intensity awareness and preventive measures against tuberculosis (TB).

District Collector Vishu Mahajan introduced the team on Thursday and presented certificates of appreciation and shields to 75 village panchayats in the district that had been identified as TB-free.

Speaking on the occasion, the Collector said that the Central Tuberculosis Division in collaboration with MY Bharat is conducting a nationwide community-based survey across 55 districts to assess awareness about tuberculosis under the TB-Free India campaign.

Pointing out that Thoothukudi, Tiruchi, Cuddalore, Dharmapuri and Theni districts have been selected for the initiative from Tamil Nadu, he noted that in the selected villages in these districts various community level activities will be carried out with the support of MY Bharat and NCC Students.

He appealed to the public to actively participate in TB elimination efforts and extend full cooperation to JOSH team members during the door-to-door assessment.

People experiencing cough or fever for two weeks or more, unexplained weight loss, excessive night sweats or other symptoms associated with TB should approach the nearest Primary Health Centre (PHC) for TB screening and appropriate medical treatment, Mr. Mahajan added.

The Collector also called upon officials from all government departments, local bodies, educational institutions, youth organisations, NCC, MY Bharat volunteers and the general public to work together to make Thoothukudi a TB-free district.

In the financial year 2025-2026, of the 403 village panchayats in the district, 75 were selected as TB-free gram panchayats based on prescribed criteria. Of these, 12 gram panchayats received silver awards and 63 received bronze awards.

Earlier participants took the tuberculosis elimination pledge under the leadership of the District Collector.

Joint Director (Health) G. Priyadharshini, Deputy Director (Tuberculosis) Sundaralingam, Medical Superintendent of Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital R. Padmanabhan and other officials were present.