Maharashtra Governor launches TB-free Mumbai campaign at Sion hospital

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, and Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadigaonkar during the TB-Free Mumbai’ campaign in Sion. Pic/By special arrangement

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma on Tuesday launched the ‘TB-Free Mumbai' campaign, a joint initiative of Lok Bhavan and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital in Sion. The programme, chaired by Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, was attended by Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadigaonkar and several dignitaries.

Governor conceptualises TB-free Mumbai initiative to boost early detection and awareness

The initiative, conceptualised by Governor, aims to strengthen Mumbai's fight against tuberculosis by improving early detection, treatment adherence, and public awareness. It forms part of the broader National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme.

During the event, a booklet prepared as part of the ‘TB-Free Mumbai' campaign was released. Voluntary organisations actively participating in TB elimination efforts were also felicitated for their contribution.

Among those present were Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) Dr Jyoti Gaikwad, Captain R Tamil Selvan, and Sunil Shinde, Education Committee Chairperson Rajeshree Shirwadkar, Public Health Committee Chairman Harish Bhandirge, Market and Garden Committee Vice-Chairman Bhaskar Shetty, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs) Dr Vipin Sharma, Deputy Commissioner (Public Health) Sharad Ughade, Director (Medical Education and Major Hospitals) Dr Shailesh Mohite, and Executive Health Officer Dr Daksha Shah. The gathering also included health officials, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers, and representatives of various voluntary organisations.

Nutritional kits distributed to TB patients in Dharavi

Earlier in the day, nutritional kits were distributed to tuberculosis patients at Loknete Eknathrao Gaikwad Urban Health Centre in Dharavi by the Governor, mayor, deputy mayor, and other dignitaries. Handheld X-ray machines were also donated during the programme to enhance diagnostic capabilities at the grassroots level.

The Governor interacted with district tuberculosis officers and ASHA workers, appreciating their relentless efforts in the field and encouraging them to work towards making Mumbai tuberculosis-free.

Officials said the campaign will focus on community-level interventions, awareness drives, and better coordination between government bodies and voluntary organisations to reduce TB incidence in the city, which continues to bear a significant burden of the disease.

The launch event, which began with the Dharavi visit followed by the formal inauguration at Sion Hospital, is expected to give fresh momentum to Mumbai's TB elimination goals.