Ganjam Declares 165 Gram Panchayats TB-Free

165 Ganjam Panchayats Achieve TB-Free Status, Boosting India’s Elimination Mission

In a significant stride toward eliminating tuberculosis, 165 gram panchayats in Odisha’s Ganjam district have officially been recognised as TB-free. The development marks a crucial success in India's national goal of achieving TB elimination by 2027 , with community participation emerging as the backbone of progress.

Recognition Ceremony Highlights Grassroots Effort

A district-level ceremony in Berhampur honoured public representatives whose areas successfully met TB-free parameters. Officials noted that regular awareness drives, door-to-door screening, and follow-up monitoring were vital factors behind the achievement. The initiative falls under the TB Mukta Panchayat programme, rolled out across the country to encourage local leadership in disease surveillance and patient support.

Standards Required for TB-Free Certification

Each eligible panchayat must meet stringent criteria before receiving certification. The benchmark includes testing at least 30 presumptive samples per 1,000 residents , maintaining less than one active case per 1,000 population , and ensuring continuous treatment for all TB-diagnosed individuals. Additionally, nutritional support and medicine adherence under Nikshay Mitra are mandatory to qualify for TB-free status.

Steady Reduction in TB Cases Across Ganjam

The district has witnessed a consistent drop in tuberculosis cases over the past three years. From over 6,698 cases in 2023 , reported infections dropped to 6,540 in 2024 , and further to 4,986 between January and October 2025 . Mortality has also declined sharply to nearly 1.5% , credited largely to awareness outreach and uninterrupted care support.

Exam Oriented Facts

• TB Mukta Panchayat initiative launched on 24 March 2023 .

• Certification requires 30 samples per 1,000 population and minimal active cases.

• 165 panchayats in Ganjam certified TB-free so far.

• The district targets full elimination by 2027 , with 220 more panchayats in focus.