BARAMULLA: Baramulla district marked a major achievement in its fight against tuberculosis, as 242 out of 402 panchayats were declared ‘TB Mukt Panchayat 2024’ under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). Among these, 106 panchayats received Silver Status and 136 received Bronze Status in recognition of their sustained efforts in TB detection, treatment, and community engagement.

The milestone was celebrated at a special award ceremony organized by the District Tuberculosis Control Society Baramulla, under the aegis of the State TB Cell, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, at Dak Bungalow Baramulla. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, who presided over the function, lauded the tireless efforts of field-level officers, health workers, and volunteers in achieving this public health milestone.

He highlighted that despite the difficult terrain and scattered population, the health teams worked with dedication to ensure early detection and treatment of TB cases, contributing significantly to the national goal. He further said, “Today’s recognition reflects our district's strong collective resolve to eliminate tuberculosis. I sincerely hope that by 2025, the remaining panchayats will also achieve TB Mukt status, fulfilling our shared goal of a TB-free Baramulla ahead of the national target.”

DC also emphasized the importance of community participation, awareness drives, and nutritional support for TB patients under schemes like the Nikshay Poshan Yojana. Chief Medical Officer Baramulla, Dr. Mastoora Iqbal, congratulated the health department teams for their remarkable performance. She appreciated the coordination between field workers, ASHAs, and TB programme staff, and called for continued vigilance in active case finding, contact tracing, and ensuring treatment adherence.

“TB is preventable and curable, and with persistent community-level engagement, we can make TB a disease of the past,” she said. District Tuberculosis Officer and other senior officers shared data-driven insights, best practices and the roadmap for 2025. The ceremony concluded with the felicitation of officers and frontline health workers whose contributions made the achievement possible.

The felicitation ceremony was attended by the Medical Superintendent GMC Baramulla, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmad, District Tuberculosis Officer, Dr. Hafeezulah Ganaie, BMOs from various medical blocks, front-line health workers, representatives from PRIs and other officials associated with the TB control programme.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇