Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta on Thursday launched the district-level implementation of the JOSH programme, a national initiative aimed at strengthening efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) in India by mobilising young people and encouraging community participation.
The programme, initiated by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, was inaugurated nationally by Union Health Minister J P Nadda through a video conference. In Mangaluru, Captain Chowta formally launched the district-level initiative by watering a sapling at the District Health Officer’s office.
The initiative seeks to strengthen public awareness about tuberculosis and encourage young people to participate actively in efforts to build a TB-free India.
MP calls for public participation in TB elimination
Speaking at the launch, Captain Chowta said active public participation was essential to achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a TB-free India.
He described the JOSH programme as an important step towards strengthening the country’s tuberculosis elimination campaign and emphasised the need for collective efforts at the grassroots level.
The MP called for greater involvement of gram panchayats in the initiative, urging local bodies and communities to work towards establishing TB-Free Panchayats.
He stressed that eliminating tuberculosis required awareness and cooperation from all sections of society. He also called for sustained efforts to educate people about the disease and encourage communities to participate in the campaign.
The involvement of local institutions, community representatives and young volunteers is expected to help extend awareness activities to villages and other grassroots settings.
JOSH programme to mobilise young people
The JOSH programme is being implemented across the country through coordinated efforts by the Union Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Youth Affairs and Sports, and Defence.
It aims to provide a structured platform for young people to contribute to tuberculosis elimination activities and strengthen awareness campaigns at the community level.
Under the initiative, teams comprising Class-I officers at the block level, MY Bharat volunteers and National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets will work together to promote the message of a TB-free India.
These teams are expected to engage with local communities and conduct extensive awareness campaigns in villages and other areas. Their participation is intended to bring the national initiative closer to people and encourage community involvement in TB prevention and elimination efforts.
By involving volunteers and young people, the programme seeks to make tuberculosis awareness a broader public movement rather than an effort confined to healthcare institutions.
Focus on grassroots awareness and TB-Free Panchayats
The emphasis on TB-Free Panchayats reflects the importance of local participation in achieving public health goals.
Gram panchayats can help spread awareness within their jurisdictions and encourage residents to engage with tuberculosis prevention and control initiatives. Community-level campaigns can also help people understand the importance of seeking medical attention when symptoms arise and following appropriate medical advice.
Captain Chowta’s call for collective action highlighted the role of local bodies and citizens in supporting the district’s TB elimination efforts.
The participation of MY Bharat volunteers and NCC cadets is expected to provide an additional channel for reaching young people, families and rural communities.
The JOSH initiative brings together government departments and youth organisations to support a shared national objective through coordinated awareness activities.
Health officials attend launch in Mangaluru
The district-level launch was attended by District Health Officer Dr Thimmaiah, District TB Eradication Officer Dr Khateja and other officials.
Their participation marked the commencement of the programme’s implementation at the district level, with an emphasis on community outreach and public awareness.
The initiative is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to eliminate tuberculosis by encouraging greater involvement from young people, local institutions and the public.
With the launch of JOSH in Dakshina Kannada, the district joins the wider national effort to promote awareness and community participation in the fight against tuberculosis.