Shimla Steps Up TB Fight, 141 Panchayats Declared TB-Free

Shimla, September 11: Shimla district has recorded significant progress under the TB-Free Campaign, with 28,008 people screened for presumptive tuberculosis (TB) against a target of 24,408 between January and August 2026, achieving 115 per cent of the target.

The District-Level TB-Free Campaign Committee, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, reviewed the district’s performance on Friday. A total of 1,393 TB cases were notified against the target of 1,387, while HIV and blood sugar status was established for 992 patients each, achieving 98 per cent of the respective targets.

Under UDST (Rif Status), 598 patients were tested against a target of 626, recording 96 per cent achievement. The TB treatment success rate stood at 92 per cent, with 1,015 successful outcomes against the target of 1,103.

Under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, payments were made to 766 beneficiaries, achieving 76 per cent of the target. DRTB treatment was initiated for 18 patients against a target of 19, while 987 beneficiaries were started on TB Preventive Treatment (TPT), achieving 90 per cent.

Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap said newly elected panchayat representatives would be trained on the TB-Free Campaign. NCC and NSS students would also be involved in awareness activities. He stressed the need to expand testing to ensure early detection and effective treatment.

28 TB deaths recorded

Between April and August 2026, 28 deaths were reported among 674 TB patients in the district, resulting in a mortality rate of four per cent. Shimla urban area recorded the highest number of deaths at 11, followed by Mashobra with five and Rampur with four.

The administration and Health Department are focusing on early detection, treatment continuity, nutritional support and TB prevention. The public has been urged to seek timely testing if symptoms appear and complete the prescribed treatment course.

141 panchayats achieve TB-free status

In another major achievement, 141 of Shimla’s 412 gram panchayats were declared TB-free in 2025, placing 34 per cent of the district’s panchayats in the TB-free category.

Rohru topped the district with 19 of 37 panchayats declared TB-free, followed by Theog with 24 of 59, Basantpur with 14 of 24, Kotkhai with 13 of 26 and Jubbal with 11 of 25.

Of the 141 TB-free panchayats, 23 were placed in the Gold category, 34 in Silver and 84 in Bronze, based on their performance.

Officials said the achievement reflects sustained efforts in early detection, treatment, prevention and community participation, with continued efforts underway to make Shimla district completely TB-free.