IT News
Imphal, March 27:
The state-level observance of the 44th World Tuberculosis (TB) Day was held at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, Imphal, with Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, attending as the Chief Guest. The event, observed under the theme ‘Yes We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver’, featured various activities, including the distribution of certificates of appreciation, food baskets by Nikshay Mitras, and Kayakalp Awards. The Governor also presented Certificates of Proficiency to the IRL Laboratory and awarded prizes to winners of a painting competition organized to mark the occasion. A short film on TB elimination was screened, and a testimonial from a TB-recovered patient highlighted the importance of early detection and timely treatment.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla emphasized that Tuberculosis remains a major health challenge in India and across the globe, impacting individuals, families, and communities. He described the day as one of hope and commitment to achieving TB elimination by 2025, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s TB-Mukt Bharat initiative.
Discussing the 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign, the Governor stated that since its launch on December 7, 2024, the initiative has been implemented across six districts in Manipur, screening around one lakh individuals and identifying more than 400 new TB cases. The campaign adopted door-to-door testing using mobile diagnostic vehicles, ‘Nikshay Vahan’, ensuring early detection and treatment, particularly in remote areas. Under the Nikshay Mitra initiative, individuals and organizations have pledged nutritional assistance to TB patients, strengthening the support system for those affected.
The Governor reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating TB within the stipulated timeline and urged the public to renew their pledge to intensify efforts for a TB-free future. He also commended healthcare workers, administrators, and support staff for their contributions to the success of the Kayakalp program.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health), Sumant Singh, also spoke at the event, highlighting Manipur’s remarkable performance in the 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign at the national level. He emphasized the importance of quality assurance efforts and the adoption of advanced medical technologies, such as Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT), which ensures high sensitivity and specificity in TB detection. He expressed confidence that with community participation and engagement, the campaign to eliminate TB would gain further momentum and success.
