The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland held the Ni-kshay Mitra Campaign under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan at Raj Bhavan, Kohima on 3 December 2024 with Gover La Ganesan as the Special Guest.
In his address, the Governor expressed immense pride knowing that the event was being held with the mutual goal to eradicate Tuberculosis from our nation by 2025. He highlighted that India is home to the highest number of TB cases, with approximately 28 lakh people affected annually. He noted that the economic burden and loss of lives due to the disease are unacceptably high, especially affecting the economically productive age group. Therefore, the Governor underscored the significance of Ni-kshay Mitra program that embodies shared responsibility to safeguard society’s health and nation’s prosperity.
While government efforts are bearing significant results, the task demands a collective effort, he stated. The Governor said that the Government, recognizing that the community and societal institutions must step forward to bridge gaps, effectively contributing towards this national mission has initiated the “Community Support to TB Patients” programme.
“This is not mere policy; it is a call to action where each entity in society, including individuals, corporations, cooperative institutions and political parties, government officials etc. can become a Nikshay Mitra”, he added.
Further, the Governor also expressed that while government efforts are bearing significant results, the task demands a collective effort. He also urged community and societal institutions to step forward to bridge gaps and effectively contribute towards this national mission.
Governor La Ganesan urged each to envision how one can contribute be it through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, institutional support, or personal involvement-to achieving our national goal. Governor asked everyone to commit, to adopting TB patients from our respective localities, and disseminate the message of this noble cause far and wide.
Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Nagaland, Temjen Imna Along, in his address, highlighted the progress witnessed in Ni-kshay Mitra drive after its launch by Government of India and the efforts to eliminate TB all over the Nation. Acknowledging the initiative of Governor La Ganesan to hold the event at Raj Bhavan Kohima, the Minister mentioned that the Governor himself is a Mitra supporting around 36 Tuberculosis patients so far.
Highlighting on the vulnerability and vast catastrophic impacts of TB and efforts to eradicate the disease by 2025, five years ahead of SDG target, Along highlighted that ending TB requires a collaborative efforts by all sectors. Providing support, enabling safe environment in the right place and time is of essence, he added.
The Minister stated that the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan under the National TB Elimination Program makes a call to the community at large for adopting TB patients and extending nutritional, diagnostic support to TB patients. He urged people to do more for TB patients in our State as well as responsible and law abiding citizens of the nation, and also urged all the dignitaries present to unite together and join the fight to eliminate TB.
Earlier, Anoop Khinchi, Commissioner and Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, gave the welcome address. Elimination efforts under National TB elimination program was highlighted by Dr. Akuo Sorhie, Mission Director, National Health Mission, Nagaland, and Vote of thanks was pronounced by E Motsuthung Patton, Principal Director, H&FW.
