MP Brijesh Chowta launches ‘JOSH’ programme to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB)

MP Brijesh Chowta launches ‘JOSH’ programme to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB)

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, October 9, 2026: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta on Thursday launched the district-level implementation of the ‘JOSH’ programme, initiated by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to strengthen efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) across the country.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda inaugurated the programme nationally through a video conference. In Mangaluru, MP Captain Brijesh Chowta formally launched the district-level initiative by watering a sapling at the District Health Officer’s office.

Speaking on the occasion, Chowta said active public participation was essential to the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a TB-free India. He described the JOSH initiative as an important step towards achieving this goal and called for collective efforts at the gram panchayat level to establish ‘TB-Free Panchayats’.

He stressed the need to create greater public awareness about tuberculosis and urged people from all sections of society to contribute to the campaign.

The JOSH programme is being implemented across the country through the joint efforts of the Union Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Youth Affairs and Sports, and Defence. It aims to provide a structured platform for young people to actively participate in tuberculosis elimination activities.

Under the initiative, teams comprising Class-I officers at the block level, MY Bharat volunteers and National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets will work together to promote the TB-free India message at the grassroots level. A key objective is to mobilise young people to conduct extensive awareness campaigns in villages and communities.

District Health Officer Dr Thimmaiah, District TB Eradication Officer Dr Khateja and other officials were present on the occasion.