Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 8: Member of Parliament Capt Brijesh Chowta officially launched the district-level 'JOSH' (Joint Squad for Health) programme at the District Health Officer's (DHO) office here on Tuesday.

The initiative, launched nationally by Union health minister J P Nadda via video conferencing, aims to effectively eradicate tuberculosis (TB) and build a TB-free India. Capt Chowta inaugurated the local event by watering a sapling.

Speaking on the occasion, the MP emphasised that the active participation of the general public is crucial for the success of prime minister Narendra Modi's visionary 'TB-Free India' campaign. Calling the Union Health Ministry's 'JOSH' scheme an excellent initiative, he urged everyone, starting from the panchayat level, to join hands in creating 'TB-Free Panchayats' and called for widespread awareness about the disease.

The 'JOSH' initiative is being implemented nationwide as a collaborative effort of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Ministry of Defence. Designed to provide a structured platform for the youth to actively participate in TB eradication, each squad will comprise block-level class-one officers, 'MY Bharat' volunteers, and NCC cadets. The primary objective of these youth-led teams is to take the message of a 'TB-Free India' to the grassroots and generate extensive awareness at the village level.

District health officer (DHO) Dr Thimmaiah, district TB eradication officer Dr Khateeja, along with other key officials and staff of the health department, were present.