Becton Dickinson India (BD) plans to have a TB elimination program for the year with the multi-pronged objectives of raising awareness of tuberculosis, effectively managing the disease through early and accurate diagnosis and building responsive mechanism for prevention. The initiative will function in association with various associations, NGOs across the length and breadth of the country and will target vulnerable groups of the society to generate awareness on the disease.

The movement began on the World Tuberculosis Day (March 24), through active dissemination of information on the disease, signs and symptoms of TB and treatment measures for the same.

In the subsequent part of the programme, BD will organize seminars, lectures and road shows. BD will also invite global experts on TB to present the Indian medical fraternity with knowledge updates, case studies and research data on TB.It will also provide Indian physicians and microbiologists with information on the latest break-through in sensitivity testing for the anti tubercular drugs.

Commenting on the programme, Ram Sharma, Managing Director, BD India said, "Keeping in line with the corporate philosophy of forming alliance with philanthropic government and non-government agencies to achieve significant healthcare impact, BD India is committed to contribute to the health initiatives of the country. We feel glad to announce this campaign to fight the epidemic while affirming to our corporate vision of helping all people live healthy lives."

Dr. M. M. Singh, an eminent TB specialist said, " Tuberculosis is a completely curable disease, however it is unfortunate that in India each year more than two million people develop active TB. The rising figure can be attributed to abysmally low awareness and consciousness about the disease. We are sure that BD's commitment will catalyze the movement to accelerate the elimination of tuberculosis and hope that the corporate India will follow the suit and join us in our quest for a TB-free country."