Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 13: In a significant stride towards combating tuberculosis (TB), FICCI FLO JKL initiated the distribution of nutrition kits to 100 TB patients.
This effort is a direct utilization of funds raised through their recent Marathon ‘Run 4 Health’, aimed at TB eradication. The initiative is designed to provide nutrition packs to TB patients throughout their six-month treatment period, ensuring they receive a protein-rich diet essential for their recovery. The program is being implemented with the support of DTO Dr AmitaTurki.
Ruchika Gupta (chairperson of FICCI FLO JKL) remarked, “Tuberculosis remains one of India’s most pressing health issues, with two deaths occurring every three minutes due to TB. These deaths are preventable with appropriate care and treatment. This initiative supports the Nikshay Poshan Yojna, focusing on the nutritional needs of TB patients to ensure they can adhere to their treatment regimen, improve their diet, and achieve faster recovery.”
India bears the highest global burden of TB, accounting for 25% of the world’s TB population despite having only 20% of the world’s population. Acknowledging the Government’s efforts, Ruchika Gupta mentioned, “Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an ambitious goal of TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan by 2025. FLO JKL’s initiative is a step towards contributing to this national cause.”
The nutrition kits being distributed contain essential items such as pulses, millets, rice, atta, soya, B-complex supplements and oil, tailored to meet the dietary needs of TB patients over the course of six months. The comprehensive nature of these packs ensures that patients receive balanced nutrition crucial for their treatment and recovery.
The distribution, with the support of Subhash TBHV, will be carried out over a period of two months, fully utilizing the funds raised from the Marathon ‘Run 4 Health’ held in April.
Several distinguished members of FICCI FLO JKL including Varuna Anand (immediate past chair), Arti Chowdhary (senior vice chairperson), Sona Mehta (treasurer), Mona Saraf (executive secretary) and Nandita Bajaj (joint secretary) were present during the launch of the initiative.