127 Gram Panchayats Declared TB-Free; 773 Schools and 45 Villages Tobacco-Free in Solan
Solan: Public participation and sustained inter-departmental coordination are crucial to achieving the goal of a TB-free India and ensuring the success of the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Solan, Divyanshu Singhal, said on Thursday.
Chairing a meeting of the District-Level TB-Free India Committee, District TB Forum and District-Level Coordination Committee under the National Tobacco Control Programme, Singhal reviewed the implementation of TB eradication initiatives and the ongoing tobacco-free youth campaign.
He stressed the need for early identification, timely testing and treatment of tuberculosis patients, along with sustained public awareness to eliminate the disease. He directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination and ensure timely access to quality healthcare for TB patients.
The meeting was informed that 127 gram panchayats in Solan district have been declared TB-free over the past three years, marking progress towards the national TB elimination target.
Discussing tobacco control measures, Singhal emphasised the need to protect children and young people from the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. The district administration and Health and Family Welfare Department are focusing on declaring educational institutions tobacco-free, preventing the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of schools and ensuring strict enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) in public places.
Solan is also implementing the 60-day Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign alongside the national and state-level initiatives.
Officials informed the meeting that 773 educational institutions and 45 villages were declared tobacco-free last year, while 118 awareness campaigns were conducted across the district.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Superintendent of Police Ashok Chauhan, District TB Officer Dr Yogesh Gupta, Deputy Director of Higher Education Madhu Janartha, Dr Gagandeep Rajhans and officers from various departments.
