Odisha Launches TB-Mukt Bharat 100-Day Campaign 2.0

Bhubaneswar: The state-level observance of World Tuberculosis Day 2026 was held at Lok Seva Bhavan on Tuesday, where Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the 100-day campaign under TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 in Odisha.

At the national level, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the “TB-Mukt Bharat: 100-Day Campaign-2.0,” with the Chief Minister joining the programme virtually from Lok Seva Bhavan.

Marking the occasion, Majhi presented a food basket to Priyadarshini Behera, a tuberculosis survivor from Bhubaneswar, symbolising community support for patients.

Addressing the event, Nadda said the Centre has adopted a comprehensive and action-oriented strategy for the next 100 days to make India tuberculosis-free, emphasising that the initiative is backed by concrete measures.

Majhi called for active public participation in eliminating tuberculosis, stating that government efforts alone would not be sufficient. He urged public representatives to organise awareness programmes to dispel myths surrounding the disease and appealed to self-help groups, civil society organisations, and educational institutions to contribute to the campaign.

The Chief Minister also criticised the previous government over the non-implementation of Ayushman Bharat in Odisha, stating that it deprived people of access to treatment in empanelled hospitals across the country.

Highlighting the state’s healthcare priorities, he said ₹23,182 crore has been allocated for the health sector in 2026–27, accounting for 7.5 per cent of the total budget and 2.1 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product. He added that initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Health Services Mission, National Health Mission, Niramaya, and Nidan aim to expand access to healthcare and provide free diagnostic and treatment services.

Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling said efforts would be intensified to strengthen tuberculosis control measures, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Health Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aswathy S. delivered the welcome address, while Public Health Director Dr. Nilakantha Mishra proposed the vote of thanks. Officials said all districts participated in the programme virtually.