Hyderabad, March 02: Reinforcing its commitment to community health and India’s goal of eliminating Tuberculosis (TB), CARE Hospitals, in association with Jagathi Foundation, has launched ‘Project OJAS’, a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at providing sustained nutritional and psychosocial support to TB patients in Hyderabad. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The program was launched by Hari Chandana Dasari, IAS, Hyderabad District Collector & Magistrate, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest and distributed specially curated nutrition kits to beneficiaries.
The event was attended by Dr. J. Venkati, DMHO Hyderabad; Dr. Pawan Kumar, CEO, CARE Hospitals; Dr. Nikhil Mathur, Chief of Medical Services; Dr. Shashikanth Aggsare, Chief Operating Officer, CARE Hospitals, Nampally; Dr. Challa Devi, Hyderabad District TB Control Officer; Mrs. Durga Kalyani, Founder & CEO, Jagathi Foundation; Dr. Faizan Aziz, Senior Interventional Pulmonologist and Dr. Ashish Mathur, Medical Superintendent, CARE Hospitals, Nampally.
Tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge in India, including urban centres like Hyderabad. While free diagnosis and treatment are provided under the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), many patients face nutritional deficiencies, social stigma, loss of livelihood, and challenges in treatment adherence.
Project “OJAS” aims to benefit nearly 3,000 TB patients over the next six months, providing sustained nutritional and psychosocial support throughout their treatment journey. Each beneficiary receives a carefully curated package that includes nutrient-rich ration kits designed to improve immunity and support recovery, traditional health supplements to enhance overall strength, essential hygiene materials to promote safe living conditions, and counselling along with moral support to ensure treatment adherence and successful completion of treatment.
Speaking at the launch, Hari Chandana Dasari said, “Eliminating TB requires strong collaboration between government institutions, healthcare providers, corporate partners, and civil society. While treatment is made accessible through national programs, strengthening patient support systems through nutrition and counselling significantly improves outcomes. I appreciate CARE Hospitals and Jagathi Foundation for coming forward with this meaningful initiative and supporting the district administration in our mission to achieve a TB-free Hyderabad. Such partnerships accelerate our collective efforts towards a TB-free India.”
Dr. J. Venkati, DMHO Hyderabad, stated, Dr. J. Venkati, DMHO Hyderabad, stated, “Nutrition plays a critical role in TB recovery because the disease often leads to severe weight loss, weakened immunity, and overall physical debilitation. Many patients come from economically vulnerable backgrounds, where access to balanced meals itself is a challenge. Even when medicines are provided free of cost under the National TB Elimination Program, recovery can be slower if the body does not receive adequate nutritional support. Initiatives like Project OJAS strengthen the public health system by complementing medical treatment with structured nutritional assistance at the community level. Such collaborative efforts help improve patient resilience, reduce vulnerability to complications, and enhance overall treatment outcomes.”
Dr. Pawan Kumar, CEO, CARE Hospitals, emphasized, “At CARE Hospitals, we firmly believe that healthcare does not end within hospital walls. True healing extends into the community, especially for vulnerable patients battling conditions like TB. Through Project OJAS, we aim to provide more than medical support, we aim to restore strength, dignity, and confidence among patients during one of the most challenging phases of their lives. By integrating nutrition, counselling, and consistent follow-up into patient care, we are reinforcing our commitment to the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and contributing meaningfully to India’s TB elimination goals.”
Dr. Nikhil Mathur, Chief of Medical Services, CARE Hospitals, added, “From a clinical standpoint, TB significantly weakens the body’s immune response. Timely medical treatment remains the cornerstone of cure, but sustained physical recovery depends on strengthening the patient’s overall health status. Bridging this gap between prescription and practical recovery is essential for improved clinical outcomes.”
Dr. Challa Devi, Hyderabad District TB Control Officer, added, “Completion of the full course of treatment is critical to prevent relapse and drug resistance. Sustained nutritional and emotional support, as provided under Project OJAS, makes a measurable difference in ensuring successful recovery.”
Durga Kalyani, Founder & CEO, Jagathi Foundation, remarked, “Project OJAS is designed to strengthen the physical and emotional well-being of TB patients. Together with CARE Hospitals and district health authorities, we are building a supportive ecosystem that empowers patients to successfully complete their treatment journey.”
By integrating public-private collaboration with patient-centric care, Project OJAS aims to reduce treatment default rates and accelerate recovery among TB patients in Hyderabad.
CARE Hospitals reaffirmed its continued commitment to sustainable CSR initiatives focused on preventive healthcare, early intervention, and support for vulnerable communities.