Gujarat Govt and Lions Clubs International Join Hands for TB-Free India Campaign

Gandhinagar : In a significant move to support the eradication of tuberculosis (TB) in Gujarat, the State Health and Family Welfare Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) on Thursday. The agreement, signed under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, focuses on providing nutrition kits to TB patients across the state, strengthening efforts towards achieving a TB-free India.

Strengthening the TB-Free India Mission

The MoU marks a major collaboration between the Gujarat government and a global voluntary organization to accelerate TB eradication. As part of the initiative, Lions Clubs International Foundation will provide nutrition kits to TB patients every month until their treatment is complete. The effort aligns with the Central Government’s TB-Free India Campaign, which emphasizes not only medical treatment but also the importance of nutritious food in a patient’s recovery.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, while addressing the event, expressed confidence that voluntary organizations like Lions Clubs International can play a crucial role in supplementing government efforts. He highlighted that with collective action, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a TB-free India can be realized.

“Along with treatment, TB patients require proper nutrition to recover. Through this partnership, we are ensuring that no patient suffers due to a lack of essential nutrients,” Patel stated.

Key Officials and Commitment to TB Eradication

State Health and Family Welfare Minister Hrishikesh Patel, who was present at the signing, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating TB. He acknowledged the efforts of Nikshay Mitra, a national initiative encouraging corporate organizations, NGOs, and individuals to provide nutrition, vocational support, and other essential needs for TB patients.

According to official data, 10,555 Nikshay Mitra have registered on the Nikshay portal so far, and a total of 3,49,534 nutrition kits have been distributed to TB patients in Gujarat. The new partnership with Lions Clubs International aims to further scale up these efforts by ensuring every identified TB patient receives monthly nutrition support.

A Lifelong Commitment to TB Patients

Lions Clubs International Foundation representatives, including Rameshbhai Prajapati and Frank Moore, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, calling it a “lifelong friendship” with TB patients. The organization has pledged to stand by patients throughout their treatment journey, ensuring they receive consistent nutrition to aid their recovery.

The event was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister M.K. Das, Principal Secretary to the Health Department Dhananjay Dwivedi, Secretary to the Chief Minister Avantika Singh, Health Commissioner Harshad Patel, and Dr. Ratan Kanwar Gadhvi Charan, along with senior health officials.