Srinagar, July 08: A high-level delegation led by Dr. Touseef Bhatt, Chairman of Kashmir Concern / RED DROP, called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha at his official residence here on Wednesday.
The delegation also included renowned social activist Shabir Hussain, known as the ‘Bloodman’ of J&K, and distinguished Pulmonologist Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah.
During the meeting, the delegation held detailed discussions on key social and health issues, with special focus on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
Dr. Touseef Bhatt briefed the LG on ground-level interventions by Kashmir Concern / RED DROP to combat substance abuse. He proposed strengthening community outreach, de-addiction centers, and vocational rehabilitation programs, and assured full support of the organization in making J&K drug-free.
Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah highlighted challenges in the TB elimination campaign such as late diagnosis, stigma, and treatment compliance in remote areas. He urged for enhanced screening drives, strengthening of DOTS centers, and integrating TB control with primary healthcare. He also stressed the need for awareness campaigns in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
Shabir Hussain shared his four-decade experience in voluntary blood donation and called for improving blood donation infrastructure, setting up more organized blood banks, and holding regular donation camps.
Other issues raised included strengthening respiratory healthcare facilities in view of post-COVID complications, and enhancing public-private partnerships in healthcare delivery and social welfare schemes.
Dr. Bhatt said it was a “fruitful and encouraging meeting” and expressed confidence that with the administration’s support, significant milestones can be achieved in both the Nasha Mukt and TB Mukt campaigns.
Hussain said the LG’s guidance on strengthening the blood donation mission was “truly inspiring”.
The Lieutenant Governor gave a patient hearing to all issues raised and assured the delegation of the administration’s full support. He appreciated the selfless efforts of civil society members and encouraged them to continue contributing in the health and social sectors.
The delegation expressed gratitude to the LG for his time and submitted a formal request for photographs of the meeting for organizational records.(GNS)
