Chandigarh: Strengthening the resolve to make the country free from Tuberculosis (TB), Director General, Health Services, Dr Manish Bansal and Mission Chetna Foundation head Ms. Manisha Chaudhary today flagged off a dedicated distribution vehicle from Panchkula carrying special fortified Poshan food packets for child TB patients.
This important nutrition distribution campaign has been launched under the ‘Ni-kshay Mitra’ initiative of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (TBMBA). Mission Chetna Foundation and Rise Against Hunger India, as Nikshay Mitras, have adopted 70 child TB patients (0-18 years) in three districts of Haryana for a period of six months. These include 20 patients from Panchkula, 20 from Ambala and 30 from Yamunanagar.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Manish Bansal said proper nutrition is very important for successful TB treatment. He said boosting the immunity of patients and ensuring regular intake of medicines are necessary for effective treatment. By including scientifically prepared and nutrient-rich food in the daily diet of these young patients, the default rate in treatment can be reduced and recovery can become faster.
He also appealed to the public to join this movement by coming forward to adopt TB patients.State TB Officer, Dr. Rajesh Raju, State Programme Officer, Nikshay Mitra initiative Ms. Priya Jaiswal, officers and employees of the State TB Cell, and representatives of NGOs were also present on the occasion.