Joint Squad for Health teams launched to strengthen TB prevention
Source: The Sangai Express / DIO

CCpur/Kamjong, October 08 2026: As part of the nationwide initiative to strengthen community participation in tuberculosis (TB) prevention, diagnosis and treatment, Joint Squad for Health (JOSH) teams were launched for Churachandpur and Kamjong districts today.

Churachandpur

Deputy Commissioner Churachandpur Krishna Kumar launched 13 JOSH teams across the district today.

The district-level programme was held at the DC's Conference Hall, Tuibong, where participants virtually attended the national launch ceremony led by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The programme also distributed Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials for TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

Speaking at the programme, Krishna Kumar stressed the need to identify people who may have TB without being aware of their condition, including those who are asymptomatic.

He enquired about the number and nature of volunteers available in the district and said that the initiative would involve volunteers at the grassroots level in TB awareness, prevention and related activities.

The Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of each block will head the respective JOSH team, with each team comprising 10 volunteers drawn from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and My Bharat Volunteers.

Through community outreach and engagement, the teams will disseminate information on TB symptoms, prevention, timely diagnosis and completion of treatment.

As part of the programme, the district distributed Governor's Food Baskets to four selected TB patients and facilitated Nikshay Mitras for supporting TB patients.

Participants also took the TB Pledge, led by L Biaklun, Staff Nurse, DTC.

District-level officers from the District Administration and line departments, staff of the National TB Elimination Programme, beneficiaries of the Food Baskets and Nikshay Mitras attended the programme.

Kamjong

Under the flagship program of Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, DC Kamjong LN Kashung launched the first phase implementation of JOSH for Kamjong district today at the Tribal Research Institute, Imphal and facilitated the team as well.

The launching programme was organised by the District Health Society, Kamjong.

Addressing the gathering, LN Kashung called for active participation of youths and all stakeholders and said that their contributions are essential to achieve a TB Mukt Bharat.

He also urged to scale up youth and TB volunteers to strengthen TB screening at work places and expand community outreach.

The DC further highlighted that the achievement of the goal of this mission requires involvement from both the Government and public's side.

He encouraged the community members to support the initiative by voluntarily donating directly to the patient's bank account to cover their ongoing treatment costs.

District TB Officer, Kamjong Dr Urmi Shaiza, delivered the keynote address of the programme.

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