The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday exchanged Memoranda of Understanding with the Ministries of AYUSH, Defence and Railways, to strengthen inter-ministerial coordination and efforts towards Tuberculosis-free India by 2025.
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan presided over the MoU exchange ceremony, in presence of Union Minister of State for AYUSH (I/C) and Minister of State for Defence Shripad Yesso Naik, apart from Minister of State (HFW) Ashwini Kumar Choubey.
According to Dr Vardhan, ‘Under the inspirational and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has announced to the world of our commitments and intentions to end TB by 2025, a good five years ahead of the global targets.
‘I am sure that the integrated and multi-sectoral approach will galvanise support and commitment from key stakeholders and seek for their contribution towards India’s aim of ending TB Free 2025,’ he added.
The Minister said a ‘multisectoral action’ is one of the key strategies, which make a strong case for transforming India’s TB elimination efforts, from a soiled health sector response, to a holistic approach.
‘All of us can be leaders to end TB in our own capacities. I believe that together, we will be able to develop new approaches to combat such threats to our health and society,’ he added.
Dr Vardhan added that through the Inter-ministerial Coordination, the aim is to reach key populations, served by various Ministries, such as workers, miners, migrants, tribal population and women.
Naik stated that the MoU will help in development of linkages and integration of TB care services under the health infrastructure and institutional network, affiliated with the Ministry of AYUSH.
He added that the MoU will enhance awareness generation and sensitisation among various communities, including AYUSH service providers, about the RNTCP guidelines, TB diagnosis and treatment, and recent policy changes and initiatives.
Choubey stressed the need for coordinated action, for eliminating TB and highlighted the importance of awareness generation. (UNI)
