Kohima, 15 July (MTNews): In compliance with the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, a program was held at Dr Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima, on 15 July. The event aimed to distribute nutritional baskets to TB patients, and Governor La Ganesan emphasized the importance of addressing the tuberculosis epidemic in India.
Governor Ganesan highlighted that India has the highest tuberculosis (TB) burden globally, with an estimated 26 lakh people contracting the disease and 4 lakh deaths annually. He emphasized the economic impact of TB, causing loss of lives, income, and workdays, particularly affecting the productive age group and pushing patients into poverty.
The Governor mentioned that the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched by President Droupadi Murmu on 9 September 2022. Its ambitious goal is to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target set by the United Nations.
Governor Ganesan stressed the need for a multi-sectoral response to address social determinants such as nutritional support, living conditions, and improved access to diagnostic and treatment services. He commended the government’s efforts, highlighting the crucial role of communities and institutions in filling gaps and addressing social determinants to contribute to ending TB in India.
As part of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has implemented the “Community Support to TB patients” initiative, encouraging citizens to participate as Ni-Kshay Mitras or donors. Cooperative societies, corporations, individuals, and organizations are invited to support health facilities or patients to accelerate the response against TB.
Governor Ganesan expressed satisfaction that officers and staff at Raj Bhavan Kohima have registered as Ni-Kshay Mitras. He called for increased awareness programs to encourage more participation. He urged TB cells and departments in Nagaland to be proactive in helping achieve the national target. During the event, the Governor distributed nutritional supplement baskets to TB patients.
Rajesh Soundararajan, Secretary to the Governor, highlighted the program’s aim to provide nutritional supplements and raise awareness, encouraging citizens to participate as Ni-Kshay Mitras or donors. He announced that officers and staff of Raj Bhavan would sponsor beneficiaries, with a total of 17 Ni-Kshay Mitras supporting the program.
Dr Chiben Kithan, District TB Officer of Kohima, stressed community involvement in reducing stigma and supporting the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. He expressed gratitude to Governor Ganesan for his participation and support in eliminating TB in the state.
The event was attended by ADC Kohima Rosie Tho Nguoi, officials from the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, State TB Cells, and officers and staff of the Governor’s Secretariat.
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