Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 8: The National and District Launch of JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Team under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was held today in the Conference Hall, Office of the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman.
The programme was graced by Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, as the chief guest, with Smti. M. Vasantha, Chairperson, Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council, as the Special Guest.
The programme was attended by Smti. Priyanka Kumari, Additional District Magistrate, South Andaman; Dr. P. Lal, Joint Secretary (NTEP), Shri. Joseph, Assistant Commissioner (HQ) (TB Mukt Bharat Officer), Shri Deepak Kumar, District Youth Officer, South Andaman; Pradhans of TB Mukt Panchayats, Councillors of Urban Wards, MY Bharat Volunteers and officials and staff of the District Health Society, South Andaman.
The dignitaries and participants virtually witnessed the national launch of the first phase of the JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Team. The initiative was jointly launched by Shri J. P. Nadda, Hon’ble Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers; Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports; and Shri Sanjay Seth, Hon’ble Minister of State for Defence aimed at strengthening youth-led engagement, community participation and grassroots-level health outreach. The initiative seeks to bring together youth volunteers and community stakeholders to promote health awareness, encourage preventive health practices and support various public health programmes at the community level.
The event also highlighted the ongoing efforts under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, with emphasis on active community participation, early identification of tuberculosis, timely diagnosis and treatment, nutritional support and collective action towards achieving a TB-free India.
During the programme, 14 Gram Panchayats were felicitated for achieving the status of TB Mukt Panchayats, in recognition of their commendable achievements and sustained commitment towards the elimination of Tuberculosis (TB).
Gram Panchayat, Collinpur was conferred with the Silver Statue of Mahatma Gandhi in recognition of its consistent achievement of TB Mukt status during 2024 and 2025. Further, 13 Gram Panchayats, namely Beodnabad, Stewartgunj, Chouldari, Tushnabad, Mithakhari, Wimberlygunj, Ferrargunj, Guptapara, Bambooflat-II, Shoal Bay, Netaji Nagar, Vivekanandapur and Rabindra Nagar were conferred with the Bronze Statue of Mahatma Gandhi in recognition of their achievement in the Bronze category for the first time in 2025.
The felicitation recognised the sustained efforts of the Panchayats in community mobilisation, TB awareness, screening, treatment support and strengthening local participation in the fight against tuberculosis.
The launch reaffirmed the commitment of the District Administration, District Health Society, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies and youth volunteers towards strengthening community ownership of health programmes and accelerating the journey towards a TB-free South Andaman.
The programme concluded with a renewed call for Jan Bhagidari, encouraging every citizen, youth volunteer, elected representative and community institution to contribute actively towards building healthier and TB-free communities.