Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 29: Nutrition plays a vital role in the prevention, treatment, and recovery of tuberculosis (TB) patients by strengthening immunity and improving treatment outcomes. Under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, corporates are encouraged to participate as Nikshay Mitra and extend nutritional support to TB patients.
In this context, Canara Bank has joined the initiative and committed to providing nutritional support to 50 TB patients in South Andaman District for a period of one year. To mark the initiation of this support, a nutritional kit distribution programme was organised recently at the District TB Centre, GB Pant Hospital Complex, Sri Vijaya Puram, in the presence of Shri Deblin Dutta, Chief Manager, Canara Bank, Dr. H. M. Siddaraju, Director of Health Services, and Dr. P. Lal, Joint Secretary (NTEP).
The Nikshay Mitra initiative aims to provide additional nutritional, diagnostic, and psychosocial support to TB patients, supplementing the medical care provided under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). Through this initiative, Canara Bank has demonstrated its strong commitment to community welfare and public health.
Health officials appreciated the proactive participation of Canara Bank and emphasized that nutritional support plays a crucial role in improving treatment adherence and outcomes among TB patients. The collaboration between the banking sector and the health department under the Nikshay Mitra initiative is expected to significantly strengthen efforts towards achieving the national goal of TB elimination.
As part of the initiative, ANIIDCO and State Bank of India, Port Blair, are also supporting TB patients across the Islands by providing nutritional assistance. In addition, several NGOs, social workers, PRI representatives, and individuals from all walks of life are actively contributing towards nutritional support for TB patients in the Islands.
The collective efforts and contributions of all stakeholders will play a pivotal role in achieving the vision of TB-Free Islands.