New Delhi: The Ministry of Mines and the Central TB Division of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaborative and convergent action aimed at eliminating Tuberculosis (TB) in India by 2025.
The MoU was signed by Farida M. Naik, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, and Dr. K. K. Tripathy, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in the presence of officials from both ministries. The program saw virtual participation from all field formations, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), and attached/subordinate offices of the Ministry of Mines.
This landmark partnership is set to foster inter-ministerial collaboration and strategic partnerships, aligning efforts to meet the ambitious target of eradicating TB. The initiative aims to leverage the extensive reach and resources of the Ministry of Mines to bolster the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
Key aspects of the partnership include:
Collaborative Field Actions: The Ministry of Mines and its associated entities will engage in webinars and other awareness-building initiatives to promote TB eradication efforts.
Capacity Building: There will be focused efforts on enhancing the skills of health functionaries in PSU hospitals and health centers. Specialized campaigns will be developed to target TB at the grassroots level.
Awareness Initiatives: CPSEs, attached offices, subordinate offices, and autonomous bodies under the Ministry of Mines will be actively involved in spreading awareness about TB and the NTEP.
Speaking on the occasion, Farida M. Naik emphasized the importance of leveraging the Ministry of Mines’ widespread presence across India to support the health ministry’s mission. She highlighted the potential impact of this partnership in reaching remote and underserved areas.
Dr. K. K. Tripathy underscored the critical role of inter-ministerial cooperation in achieving public health goals. He expressed optimism that this collaboration would significantly accelerate efforts to eliminate TB by 2025.
The MoU is a part of India’s broader strategy to eradicate TB, a goal that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to improving public health through innovative and collaborative approaches.