In a significant step towards strengthening India’s fight against tuberculosis, the VOC Port Authority Hospital, Tuticorin, has been officially recognised and approved as an authorised DOTS Centre under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), Government of India.
The Authorised DOTS Centre certificate was formally handed over today by Dr. Sundaralingam, DTCD, Deputy Director, Thoothukudi District, to the Chairperson of VOC Port Authority, Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, and the Deputy Chairperson, Shri Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS. The event was held in the presence of the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Naresh Kumar P.
Tuberculosis continues to pose a major public health challenge in India, and NTEP plays a crucial role in reducing the TB burden, improving treatment outcomes, and advancing the national vision of the Pradhan Mantri TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. With this recognition, VOC Port Authority Hospital will now actively support early diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of TB patients through the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) strategy.
Officials described the development as a novel and commendable initiative by the Medical Department of VOC Port Authority. The approval reinforces the port’s commitment not only to the welfare of its workforce but also to broader public health objectives and national healthcare priorities.
The move is expected to enhance access to quality TB care in the Thoothukudi region and contribute meaningfully to the goal of eliminating tuberculosis in India.
