Panvel: In a significant step towards public health advancement, 32 Gram Panchayats from Panvel Taluka were felicitated for achieving TB-free status under the Prime Minister’s Tuberculosis-Free Gram Panchayat Campaign. The felicitation ceremony took place at the Panchayat Samiti Office, where Taluka Health Officer Dr. Aparna Pawar honored the panchayats for their dedication and success in eradicating tuberculosis from their communities.
Six of the 71 Gram Panchayats in the taluka were declared TB—free for the second consecutive year: Palebudruk, Khairwadi, Barvai, Bhatan, Jambhivli, and Posari. These villages received silver statues of Mahatma Gandhi and certificates of appreciation as a mark of their sustained health efforts.
The remaining 26 Gram Panchayats—Devololi, Sawale, Gulsunde, Karade Khurd, Dighati, Chikhale, Wakdi, Dundare, Umroli, Waghivli, Turade, Nandgaon, Somatne, Shiravali, Chindharan, Kelvane, Poyanje, Khanav, Maldungi, Nitals, Gavan, Nhava, Targhar, Owla, Pargaon, and Vadghar—were honored with bronze statues and appreciation certificates.
The ceremony was attended by key officials, including Meenal Kanoje, Extension Officer at Panvel Panchayat Samiti, as well as medical professionals Dr. Akash Wavekar, Dr. Prabhakar Patil, Dr. Sayali Mankar, Dr. Pranav Urankar, and Dr. Abdul Karim Razak.
Special recognition was also given to Nikshay Mitras from Hindalco Industries Ltd., Taloja. CSR Manager Lahu Raundal and Nandini were felicitated for their contributions toward tuberculosis eradication. The program was anchored by Taluka Health Assistant Sharad Bade, and staff from the Taluka Health Officer’s office played a key role in its successful organization.
Dr. Aparna Pawar was congratulated for her leadership, and she appealed for collective efforts to ensure all Gram Panchayats in the taluka become TB-free in the coming year.
Additionally, several individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions. These included Dr. Akash Wavekar (Medical Officer, PHC Nere), Dr. Prajakta Debaje (Community Health Officer, Valap Sub-center), lab technicians Rajaram Chavan, Smita Madhavi, and Aadesh Gadg (PHC Vavanje), health worker Shekhar Gharat (PHC Apta), group motivator Sulabha Gaikar (Gavan), and ASHA volunteer Rukmini Kamble (Gavan).
The event served as a testament to the collaborative efforts of health officials, local leaders, and citizens in the fight against tuberculosis and highlighted Panvel Taluka’s commitment to public health.
