ASSOCHAM North Region collaborates with UT Health Department to support Mission for a TB-Free India

Chandigarh, February 11, 2025: The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) North Region, in partnership with the Health Department, UT Chandigarh, organized a social outreach program on February 11, distributing food baskets to TB patients. This initiative aligns with the Government of India's ambitious goal of achieving a TB-Free India by March 2025 by ensuring proper nutrition for patients and raising awareness about the disease.

The program was graced by Ajay Chagti, IAS, Health Secretary, UT Chandigarh, and Dr. Suman Singh, Director, Health Services, UT Chandigarh, as special guests. Over 60 TB patients received food baskets as part of this initiative, reinforcing the commitment to providing holistic support beyond medical treatment.

Ajay Chagti, IAS, Health Secretary, UT Chandigarh, commended ASSOCHAM for its initiative and emphasized the importance of community participation in tackling TB. He urged TB patients to encourage others to get tested and check their bank details for budgetary transfers related to their treatment support. He further assured that food baskets will be provided to all patients for the next six months, ensuring continued nutritional aid.

Dr. Suman Singh, Director, Health Services, UT Chandigarh, highlighted the alarming rise in TB cases globally, citing WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Report, which recorded an increase in cases from 5.8 million in 2021 to 6.4 million in 2022, and projected 7.5 million cases in 2023. She also noted that UT Chandigarh reports around 7,000 TB cases annually. She stressed the need for stakeholder involvement in TB eradication and reaffirmed NHM Chandigarh’s commitment to ensuring access to healthcare facilities for TB patients.

Rakesh Bhalla, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Chandigarh UT Council & CFO, SML Isuzu, praised the collaborative efforts of the Chandigarh UT Administration and ASSOCHAM in driving this social outreach initiative. He assured continued support from SML Isuzu to further strengthen the campaign against TB.

Abhi Bansal, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Punjab State Council & Director, Saraswati Group of Companies, highlighted the stigma surrounding TB that often isolates patients, making recovery difficult. He said that TB is preventable and curable, and through awareness, support, and sustained commitment, it can be eliminated from our country. He further said “ it is our collective responsibility of the government, industry, and civil society to come together in this fight”.

Drishmeet Buttar, Co-Chairman, ASSOCHAM Chandigarh UT Council & Managing Partner, Healing Hospital Chandigarh, pointed out that India accounts for 25% of the world’s TB cases. He applauded the Prime Minister's initiative to combat TB but stressed that more needs to be done. He said that TB is a societal issue, and awareness is the key. Through this initiative, he urged other organizations to step forward and contribute to the cause.

Abhay Iqbal Singh Bedi, Director, Torque Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd., highlighted the critical role of nutrition in TB recovery and reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to supporting TB patients on their journey to full recovery. In his closing remarks, he extended his heartfelt gratitude to ASSOCHAM, the Administration of Chandigarh, and all stakeholders who contributed to making this initiative possible.

ASSOCHAM remains committed to sustaining its social outreach efforts and encourages more organizations to join this noble cause. The fight against TB requires unity, awareness, and unwavering commitment—only then can India realize its vision of a TB-Free future.