Mon Mar 24 12:57:26 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Celebrates World TB Day, Highlights Successes in TB Elimination
**Salem, Tamil Nadu, March 24, 2025** – Salem and Namakkal districts in Tamil Nadu marked World TB Day with events highlighting significant progress in tuberculosis (TB) elimination. Salem District Collector R. Brindha Devi announced that 4,383 TB cases were diagnosed and treated in the district last year, following 139,050 tests. Seventy-two village panchayats were declared TB-free, with efforts underway to achieve this status across all panchayats. Ms. Devi emphasized the importance of early testing and treatment, particularly for individuals with weakened immunity, and highlighted the availability of free treatment at government hospitals. She also mentioned the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, providing ₹1,000 monthly assistance to TB patients undergoing treatment. Special TB wards are available in several government hospitals across the district.
Meanwhile, in Namakkal district, Collector S. Uma celebrated the district’s top ranking in the 2024 “TB Free Tamil Nadu” program, with 197 TB-free panchayats (83 receiving silver medals and 114 bronze). Both districts held award ceremonies recognizing the contributions of doctors, volunteers, and community members in the fight against TB. The events included awareness campaigns and pledges to eliminate TB in their respective districts.
First Piper 