DODA, Oct 8: On the occasion of the National and District level launch of JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), a district-level launch programme was organized by the Health Department, Doda, at the CMO Office, Doda.
The programme was held in connection with the national launch of JOSH by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Govt of India, which was attended virtually by participants from across the country.
The programme was graced by Chief Medical Officer, Doda, Dr. Vinod Sharma, Dy CMO Doda Dr. Sat Lal Manhas, District Tuberculosis Officer, Doda/Kishtwar, Dr. Raj Kumar Sharma, Block Medical Officers, Nodal Officer My Bharat, Sandeep Sharma; Divisional ASHA Coordinator, District ASHA Coordinator, Nodal Officer NTEP Doda, ASHAs; health workers; NCC Cadets, My Bharat Volunteers, and students and staff of ANMT School Doda, besides other officials and staff of the Health Department.
The participants first joined the virtual programme and witnessed the national launch of JOSH by the Union Health Minister. The initiative aims to strengthen community participation, awareness and collective action towards the elimination of tuberculosis, while encouraging greater involvement of youth and community volunteers in the fight against TB.
Addressing the gathering, CMO Doda Dr. Vinod Sharma highlighted the significance of the JOSH initiative and emphasized the need for sustained community participation, early identification of TB symptoms, timely diagnosis, treatment adherence and stigma-free support to TB patients. He appreciated the dedicated efforts of the NTEP teams, ASHAs, health workers and community volunteers in taking TB-related services to the grassroots level.
DTO Doda/Kishtwar, Dr. Raj Kumar Sharma, also addressed the participants and elaborated on the objectives of the NTEP and the importance of active community engagement in achieving the goal of TB elimination. He appreciated the contribution of frontline workers and urged all stakeholders to work collectively towards identifying and supporting TB patients and ensuring completion of treatment.
Nodal Officer My Bharat, Sandeep Sharma, spoke about the role of youth and My Bharat volunteers in supporting public health initiatives. He emphasized that the active participation of young volunteers can significantly strengthen awareness and community outreach activities under NTEP.
Later, the CMO Doda, along with the Dy CMO, DTO Doda/Kishtwar and other dignitaries, felicitated fully recovered TB patients, Block Medical Officers, TB Health Staff and other frontline workers by presenting certificates of appreciation for their valuable contribution towards the implementation and strengthening of the NTEP at the grassroots level.
The felicitation was aimed at recognizing the commitment and dedication of individuals and health teams who have contributed significantly towards TB detection, treatment, follow-up, awareness and patient support across the district.
A TB Elimination Pledge was also administered to all participants, who reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the national goal of making India TB-free and to spreading awareness about TB prevention, early diagnosis, treatment adherence and the importance of eliminating stigma associated with the disease.
The programme concluded with an appeal to all stakeholders, particularly youth, frontline health workers and community volunteers, to actively participate in the JOSH initiative and strengthen collective efforts towards achieving a TB-free society.