Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today presided over the state-level observance of World TB Day 2026 at Lok Seva Bhavan and formally launched the 100-day campaign under *TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan 2.0*.
The event was virtually linked to the national launch by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda. While inaugurating the campaign, the Chief Minister handed over a food basket to beneficiary Priyadarshini Behera of Bhubaneswar as a symbolic start to the drive.
CM: Government Efforts Alone Not Enough; People’s Participation Key
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Majhi said, “Mere government initiatives are not sufficient to completely eradicate tuberculosis. Public participation is essential. Only through collective efforts will the *TB Mukt Bharat* campaign achieve 100% success and make Odisha and the entire country free from TB.”
He urged all public representatives to organise awareness programmes in their constituencies to dispel myths and superstitions surrounding the disease. He also called upon self-help groups, civil society organisations and educational institutions to actively join the campaign.
Health Sector Gets Top Priority
Reiterating his government’s commitment, the Chief Minister declared that health services remain a top priority. He pointed out that the previous government had deprived Odisha of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, denying its people access to treatment in nearly 32,000 hospitals across the country.
“For 2026-27, our health budget has been pegged at ₹23,182 crore — 7.5% of the total state budget and 2.1% of GSDP,” he said. He highlighted ongoing programmes such as the Chief Minister’s Health Services Mission, National Health Mission, Niramay and Nidan, which provide free diagnostics and treatment to every citizen without financial burden.
Health Minister Outlines Focused Action Plan
State Health Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling assured that special attention would be given to rural and hard-to-reach areas in the fight against TB. He praised the swift steps taken by the Health and Family Welfare Department.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, Aswathy S., delivered the welcome address, while Director of Public Health Dr Nilakantha Mishra proposed the vote of thanks. All districts of the state joined the programme through virtual mode.
