Imphal: Joining the world in observing World Tuberculosis Day, the 42nd World Tuberculosis Day 2023 was observed Friday under the theme “Yes! We can end TB!” at the Auditorium of JNIMS, Porompat, Imphal East. The programme was jointly organised by the National TB Elimination Programme, Government of Manipur, and the National Health Mission, Manipur.
The Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh, stated that eliminating tuberculosis (TB) by 2025 is the Government of India’s top priority programme. Considering the present pattern, expertise, and commitment of India, the target to eliminate TB by 2025 will be a success, he said. The state government has also taken steps to eliminate TB with cooperation from every sector of society.
Tuberculosis can be cured thanks to technological advancements, and patients should follow medication and a nutritious diet. The government has taken up innovative steps like Ni-kshay Mitra for this very purpose, he added.
Spl. Secy (Health & Family Welfare and PD, MACS) H. Rosita, said that all stakeholders and the general public should work together to eliminate tuberculosis. She added that MACS is also an inseparable part as People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are prone to such opportunistic infections and the departments need to cooperate to eliminate TB.
Recently the government also launched a community engagement programme where Ni-kshay Mitras can adopt TB patients and provide them monthly nutritional support. Around 72 donors comprising the elected public representatives are providing nutritional support to TB patients from respective districts of the state under Ni-kshay Mitra. As part of the observation, food baskets were distributed to selected patients by Ni-kshay Mitra.
, Sr. Regional Director, Regional Office for HFW, Imphal, Ministry of HWF, Govt. of India, Dr. L. Ashananda Singh; Medical Superintendant, JNIMS, Dr. Kh. Lokeshwar Singh; and Director, Health Services, Dr. Kh. Sasheekumar Mangang, attended the function.
Earlier a rally was flagged off for cured patients and invitees by the Chief Medical Officer, Imphal East, from the CMO Complex, Imphal East. Officials and staff of the Health Department, medical students, TB patients, and invitees attended the function, among others.
