Governor Gupta inaugurates Ayushman Arogya Camp at Sundernagar on World Health Day
Governor Kavinder Gupta today inaugurated an Ayushman Arogya Camp organized by the Health Department at Divya Manav Jyoti Seva Trust, Dehar, in Sundernagar of Mandi district on the occasion of World Health Day.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a “Healthy India,” the state government was committed to ensure quality, accessible and equitable healthcare services for all citizens. He expressed satisfaction over the recorded significant improvements achieved by the state in key health indicators in recent years.
Talking about tuberculosis (TB), Shri Gupta said that TB is still a major public health problem, but the state is making good progress in controlling it. He said that the number of TB cases in Himachal has decreased from 15,760 in 2022 to 14,653 in 2025, which shows the hard work of healthcare workers and the support of society.
He said that nearly 1.49 million high-risk people in the state have been fully screened under a Government of India initiative. Out of these, about 700,000 people, which is 46 percent, were tested through X-ray examinations, which is better than the national average. He added that modern handheld X-ray machines and advanced testing facilities are being used to provide free testing in camps and mobile health units are reaching people even in remote and difficult areas.
The Governor said that under the ‘TB-Free Gram Panchayat’ initiative, community efforts have yielded encouraging results. Out of 3,615 Gram Panchayats in the state, 731 (20 percent) were declared TB-free in 2023, 823 (23 percent) in 2024, and 1,052 (29 percent) in 2025. He said these results are positive and encouraging in the ongoing effort to eliminate TB.
Shri Gupta said that the ongoing 100-day special campaign is an important step in this direction. Under this campaign, 5,176 high-risk villages and urban ward areas have been identified where Ayushman Arogya Camps were being organized to ensure early detection and timely treatment of TB cases. He said that such focused efforts, along with modern technology are strengthening public health system of the state.
He stressed that eliminating TB is not only the responsibility of the Health Department but should become a people’s movement. He said that active participation of public representatives, Panchayats, youth, self-help groups, ASHA workers and every citizen is necessary to achieve the goal of a TB-free society.
The Governor said that the at present state has 25 handheld X-ray machines and their number is being increased continuously to improve testing capacity. He added that advanced diagnostic facilities are now available at all block levels, which has improved access to healthcare across the state.
He said that Lok Bhavan has written to all Ministers, Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly, urging them to support the TB elimination campaign in the state. He requested all public representatives, government officials, employees and citizens to become ‘Nikshay Mitra’ by adopting TB patients and helping them with complete treatment, nutrition and emotional support.
Shri Gupta lauded Sardar Patel University, Mandi for adopting 75 TB patients of Kotli Medical Block. He said that by registering as a ‘Nikshay Mitra’ under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the University has shown strong commitment towards public health, social responsibility and community service.
Earlier, the Governor visited the camp and checked the healthcare and testing facilities available there. He also released the logo of Phase-II of the TB-Free India Campaign, distributed nutrition kits to TB patients, honored TB Champions and took a pledge for a TB-Free India.
State Consultant of the World Health Organization, Dr. Nishant, explained the State’s achievements in the TB elimination campaign.
Chairman of Divya Manav Jyoti Seva Trust, Satya Prakash Sharma, shared information about the institution.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinesh Thakur welcomed the Governor and presented an overview of the TB-Free India campaign, while Block Medical Officer, Rohanda, Dr. Lal Singh proposed the vote of thanks.
Secretary to the Governor Sandeep Bhardwaj, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, Superintendent Of Police Vinod Kumar and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.
