Navi Mumbai: 32 TB-Free Villages Mark Major Health Milestone in Panvel

Panvel, April 9 – In a remarkable stride toward eliminating tuberculosis, 32 Gram Panchayats from Panvel Taluka were officially recognized as TB-free under the Prime Minister’s Tuberculosis-Free Village Campaign. The felicitation ceremony was held at the Panchayat Samiti Office in Panvel, where Taluka Health Officer Dr. Aparna Pawar presented awards to the representatives of these villages.

Among the awardees, six Gram Panchayats—Palebudruk, Khairwadi, Barvai, Bhatan, Jambhivli, and Posari—achieved the rare distinction of maintaining a TB-free status for two consecutive years. These villages were honored with silver statues of Mahatma Gandhi and certificates of appreciation, symbolizing their continued commitment to public health.

The other 26 Gram Panchayats, including Devololi, Sawale, Gulsunde, Karade Khurd, Dighati, and several others, received bronze Gandhi statues and commendation certificates for successfully reaching the TB-free milestone.

The event drew the presence of key officials, including Meenal Kanoje, Extension Officer of the Panchayat Samiti, and several health officers such as Dr. Akash Wavekar, Dr. Prabhakar Patil, Dr. Sayali Mankar, Dr. Pranav Urankar, and Dr. Abdul Karim Razak, all of whom praised the collective efforts of the villages and the healthcare teams.

Corporate social responsibility also played a role in this achievement, with Hindalco Industries Ltd., Taloja, being recognized for its support. CSR Manager Lahu Raundal and Nandini were felicitated as "Nikshay Mitras" for their contributions to TB elimination efforts.

Dr. Aparna Pawar expressed her appreciation for the dedication shown by health workers, gram panchayat members, and supporting organizations. She also called for renewed commitment to ensure all villages in Panvel Taluka achieve TB-free status in the coming year.

The program was smoothly anchored by Taluka Health Assistant Sharad Bade, with special efforts from the Taluka Health Officer’s staff ensuring its success. Individual honors were also bestowed on standout contributors, including Dr. Prajakta Debaje, lab technicians from PHC Vavanje, ASHA volunteer Rukmini Kamble, and several field workers who played a critical role in grassroots-level implementation.

The ceremony celebrated not just the health milestone but also the power of community-driven change in tackling one of the country’s long-standing health challenges.