Nagpur :- As part of 91st Anniversary celebrations of IAF, a programme was held to culminate the Nikshay Mitra initiative, a scheme under Pradhanmantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMA) towards elimination of Tuberculosis.
Under the said scheme a total of 100 patients from Nagpur rural area were supported by the Officers of Headquarters Maintenance Command (HQMC) under the guidance of Air Marshal Vibhas Pande AVSM VSM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief HQ MC.
Standardized food baskets were provided to these patients on a monthly basis for a duration of six months. The first batch of such food baskets were handed over to these patients in Mar 23 on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day. An event was organised at Vayusena Nagar, Nagpur on 06 Oct 23 to complete the commitment by handing over the sixth batch of food baskets to the patients. 
The programme was attended by patients, staff from District Tuberculosis Office and air warriors of HQ MC. Food baskets were handed over to patients, by Air Marshal Vibhas Pande AOC-in-C HQ MC. Dr Ravikanth Singh Med Officer District TB Centre, presented an overview of the Ni-Kshay Mitra and PMTBMA. He also presented the data with respect to the patients being supported by IAF Officers under this scheme.
Few patients spoke as to how the initiative has helped them in recovery and weight gain. The event added another feather in redefining the bonding between IAF and the general population.
