Udaipur: To advance India’s goal of becoming Tuberculosis (TB)-free, the Department of Pulmonology at Pacific Medical College & Hospital (PMCH) organized an awareness program on the occasion of World TB Day. This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB – Led by Governments, Driven by People”, emphasized collective participation and strong determination to eliminate the disease.
The program was formally inaugurated by District TB Officer Dr. Piyush Soni, PMCH Principal Dr. U.S. Parihar, chest and TB specialists Dr. Sunil Kumar and Dr. Atul Luhadia, along with Medicine Department Head Dr. Girish Verma, who performed a ceremonial lamp lighting before Maa Saraswati.
Addressing the event, Dr. Piyush Soni explained the key details of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program, highlighting how effective government support and proper monitoring are helping control the disease.
Dr. U.S. Parihar, Principal of PMCH, emphasized that TB treatment is not just about medication; providing patients with psychological support and accurate information is equally crucial. He stated that the institution is fully committed to achieving the goal of a TB-free India with world-class facilities.
During the seminar, Dr. Sunil Kumar focused on removing societal misconceptions and stigma surrounding TB. He stressed that TB is not a curse but a curable disease, and with timely treatment, patients can fully recover. He also elaborated on the government’s ongoing TB eradication initiatives.
Dr. Atul Luhadia advised that anyone experiencing cough lasting more than two weeks, night sweats, weight loss, or persistent fever should consult a doctor immediately. Early treatment not only restores the patient’s health but also helps protect the community from TB.
The program included quizzes, rangoli, and poster competitions for MBBS students. Winners were honored with prizes and certificates. A large number of students and healthcare professionals participated, taking a pledge to actively contribute to the elimination of TB.