Deepa Malik visits ‘Ayushman Bhav’ Health Ministry Pavilion at 42nd India International Trade Fair

New Delhi (22/11/2023): Padma Shri, Khel Ratna Arjuna Awardee, India’s First Woman Paralympic Medalist and President of the Paralympic Committee of India, Dr. (h.c) Deepa Malik is the also the national ambassador of the TB Mukt Bharat campaign and a Ni-kshay Mitra herself.  “Every citizen should pledge to become Ni-kshay Mitra to at least one TB patient to accelerate our journey in becoming a TB free nation.” This was stated by Dr. (h.c) Deepa Malik as she visited the Ayushman Bhav Health Pavilion at the 42^nd India International Trade Fair (IITF) today. The theme of this year’s pavilion of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, United by Trade”, while the theme of the Health Pavilion is “Ayushman Bhav”.

Addressing the gathering, she reiterated Hon’ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s dream of achieving a TB free India by 2025. Underscoring “health is the ultimate wealth”, she urged participation in the Jan Aandolan movement for contributing in building momentum to ensure India becomes free of TB by 2025. She also highlighted and impact of becoming a Ni-kshay Mitra. Elaborating on her support for the TB Mukt Bharat campaign Dr. (h.c) Deepa Malik further added “I had become a Ni-kshay Mitra to 10 TB patients this year, all of who are now doing well and cured of TB.”

She also recounted her story of becoming a TB survivor, emphasizing that while the treatment is physical, the first step of recovery commences with mental well-being, focusing on maintaining a positive mindset and rising above the stigma surrounding this condition. She further added that with the right guidance, nutrition and care, it is entirely possible to overcome this condition.

Applauding the commitment and impact of caregivers, Dr. (h.c) Deepa Malik emphasized that caregivers play a critical role in the successful recovery of a TB patient. Reiterating that treatment is fully possible and accessible at various TB centres, she urged patients to complete their treatment in entirety, and not be discouraged by the duration and effects of this condition. She appealed to the public to rise above the stigma associated with this condition and extend their support whole-heartedly to eliminating TB from this nation. She underlined that adopting a holistic approach and maintaining a positive outlook towards the healing of TB patients will a play a key role in their motivation to defeat this condition and recover completely.

Dr. (h.c) Deepa Malik also praised the media in playing a crucial role in the dissemination of information and generating awareness for not just combating TB but also presenting the success stories of TB survivors and the growing number of Ni-kshay Mitras.

The event was attended by Dr Rajendra P Joshi, Deputy Director General at Central TB Division (CTD), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, senior government officials and other dignitaries.