Sambalpur, Dec 25: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Wednesday that Sambalpur district will be tuberculosis-free by December 2025.

The Union Minister stated this while distributing TB kits to TB patients at an event that marked former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 100th birthday celebrations and Good Governance Day.

"Tuberculosis is not a contagious disease. People are affected by environmental pollution, poverty and lack of awareness. There are 1435 officially registered TB patients in Sambalpur district. Out of these, 1185 TB patients are being treated. With the help of nutrition, modern treatment, and public participation, TB can be eliminated. Therefore, patients need to be patient. The entire Odisha, including Sambalpur, has to be made TB-free. We need to create a clean environment to reduce pollution," Pradhan said at the event, organized by the Sambalpur district administration under the TB-Free India Campaign.

Stating that people's representatives and corporates are working to make Sambalpur district TB-free, the Union Minister urged senior citizens, youth organisations, social organisations and citizens of the society should also join hands in this TB Mukt Abhiyan and serve the victims and their families.

He advised them to take up the responsibility of providing financial and other assistance to TB patients and their families.

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