JOSH health squads launched in Malappuram as four local bodies receive TB-free status

18 October 2026

The first-phase district-level inauguration of the JOSH scheme, formed for the advancement of a tuberculosis-free India, was performed by Perinthalmanna Sub Collector Sakshi Mohan. The scheme is implemented jointly by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Defence, and uses NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers to strengthen tuberculosis awareness and diagnosis support at ward and block level. The national-level launch was performed by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The district programme was held at Malabar Heritage, Manjeri, where an awareness class was organised on the spread of tuberculosis, treatment methods, what a patient should watch for, and the importance of screening. The Sub Collector presented mementos to Perinthalmanna and Nilambur municipalities and to A.R. Nagar and Vettom grama panchayats, which qualified for TB-free status. District Medical Officer Dr. V. Vinod and District TB Officer Dr. L. Sheenalal took part.