Patna: Health minister Mangal Pandey launched a communication campaign to eradicate tuberculosis from the state at a programme jointly organised by the health department and non-government organisation REACH on Thursday.
Eight audio and video clips that REACH has made involving TV actor Rajesh Kumar, better known for his roles in serials like Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai among others, will be used by district-level officials working in tuberculosis programme to generate awareness among masses. The audio and video clips would be used in cinema halls and other places to convey the message.
REACH is also working with five other states, including Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Bengal as part of the national TB control programme wherein the NGO-made audio and video clips are being used for disseminating information on the disease. Rajesh has been selected as the brand ambassador for TB by REACH for the states wherein it is working under the TB control programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Pandey said the state was also going to get two diagnostic vans from the Union government soon which would be roped in for diagnosis of the suspected tuberculosis patients.
"The diagnostic van would reach us very soon. It would be equipped with necessary instruments, including sputum smear microscopy, chest X-ray and Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (CB-NAAT) machine which can detect tuberculosis. The vans would move in vulnerable pockets like slum areas, stone crushing units and other places wherein people with compromised nutrition are likely to be in more numbers. Malnourished people have high chances of contracting this airborne disease. The two vans would also have big screens that would use audio and video clips made by REACH to create awareness on TB," said state tuberculosis officer KN Sahay.
Rajesh said he is working to create smart villages. "I am trying to visit three-four villages near my village Barma (which falls under Bodhgaya block of Gaya district). My idea is to introduce organic method of cultivation in these villages. I will try get them organic certification, which can help them get better yield for their produce apart from looking into other aspects, including better power connectivity. I have already started working on this plan," said Rajesh on the sidelines of the event.
