POONCH: World TB Day was observed with great enthusiasm and community participation in Aspirational Block Mankote, reflecting a strong commitment towards a TB-Free society. The programme was organized under the guidance of the District Development Commissioner Poonchi Ashok Kumar Sharma.
The event was conducted under the supervision of Chief Medical Officer Poonch, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan, with active support from District Tuberculosis Officer, Dr. Gazala, and Aspirational Block Programme Fellow, Ajaz Ahmed.
The programme witnessed vibrant participation from various departments including the Health Department, NTEP Team, ICDS, Education Department, NRLM, ASHA workers of Sector Mankote, and members of the local community. The presence of grassroots workers and local representatives added a strong community-driven dimension to the event.
A TB awareness rally was organized from PHC Mankote to Bus Stand Mankote, where participants raised slogans and disseminated key messages on tuberculosis prevention, early detection, and free treatment services available under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). The rally drew attention from local residents and helped in spreading awareness at the grassroots level.
The Medical Team was led by Dr. Sajid Mujtaba Khan, SMO Mankote, along with Dr. Rabnawaz Khan, and a dedicated team of pharmacists, health educators, and laboratory staff including Fareed Ahmed, Mumtaz Hussain Shah, Mohd Yasin (HE), Imtiaz Ahmed, Jarnail Singh, and Mohd Jangir (Lab Technician).
The NTEP Team comprising Mohd Shakoor (STS) and Vinod Kumar Anand (STLS) played a key role in organizing awareness sessions and facilitating screening activities. On the occasion, awareness sessions and screening camps were organized to educate the public about symptoms, prevention, and the importance of timely treatment of TB. Special emphasis was laid on eliminating stigma associated with the disease and encouraging people to come forward for testing and treatment.
The programme highlighted the collective resolve of Mankote Block under Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 to achieve the goal of a TB-Free Mankote, ensuring that no one is left behind in access to healthcare services.
