Nagaland Governor reviews progress of PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

DIMAPUR — Nagaland Governor La Ganesan convened a review meeting on the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA) with senior officials of the Department of Health and Family Welfare at Raj Bhavan, Kohima, on Monday.

According to a DIPR report, the meeting was also held to assess the progress and implementation of the TB elimination programme in the state. 

Appreciating the department’s initiatives, the governor underscored the importance of leveraging the influence of religious leaders to spread awareness and reduce the stigma associated with TB.

Ganesan 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 of Health and Family Welfare, Paiwang Konyak, apprised the governor of the department’s strategies, achievements, and challenges in the fight against tuberculosis.

The minister outlined various initiatives undertaken to strengthen surveillance, improve access to treatment, and enhance public awareness, particularly in remote and vulnerable communities.

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Paiwang 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.

Commissioner & Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Anoop Khinchi, 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 & Justice and Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, 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, the report added.