Governor of Nagaland La Ganesan on Monday convened a review meeting on the Pradhan Mantri tuberculosis (TB) Mukt Bharat Abhiyan with senior officials of the department of Health and Family Welfare at Raj Bhavan, Kohima.
The meeting was held to assess the progress and implementation of the TB elimination programme in the state, a press release from the PRO Raj Bhavan stated.
The Governor, while appreciating the department’s initiatives, underscored the importance of leveraging the influence of religious leaders to spread awareness and reduce the stigma associated with TB. He also called upon individuals, organisations, and institutions to come forward and register as Nikshay Mitras (donors) under the national initiative to provide additional nutritional and social support to TB patients, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes and quality of life.
During the meeting, minister for Health and Family Welfare P Paiwang Konyak apprised the Governor of the department’s strategies, achievements, and challenges in the fight against tuberculosis. He outlined various initiatives undertaken to strengthen surveillance, improve access to treatment, and enhance public awareness, particularly in remote and vulnerable communities. The minister expressed hope that with the active support and guidance of the Governor, the state will be able to achieve the set targets and goals under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Commissioner and secretary Health and Family Welfare Anoop Khinchi also highlighted the department’s ongoing initiatives aimed at TB prevention, early detection, and patient support. He spoke about the importance of inter-sectoral coordination and community-based engagement, and reiterated the department’s commitment to aligning its efforts with the national framework for TB elimination.
Principal secretary Law and Justice Y Kikheto Sema, who attended the meeting on behalf of the Chief Secretary, emphasised the need for intensified awareness efforts and greater community involvement. He highlighted the vital role of churches and faith-based organisations in disseminating information and encouraging behavioural change at the grassroots level. He further added that special health camps should be held in all the districts of Nagaland as a targeted initiative to accelerate detection and ensure timely treatment in the drive towards TB elimination by 2025.
Officials from the department presented detailed data on TB prevalence in the state and shared updates on outreach activities, diagnostic services, treatment adherence, and the role of community health workers under the National TB Elimination Programme.
The meeting concluded with a strong reaffirmation of commitment from all stakeholders to intensify efforts and work collectively toward making Nagaland TB-free by 2025.
