Challenge of TB requires multi- sectoral response: Nagaland Gov

July 16, 2023 15 Views No Comment

Kohima, July 16 (MExN): The Governor of Nagaland La Ganesan on Saturday stated that the challenge of TB requires a multi-sectoral response to address the social determinants like nutritional support, living and working conditions, and an increase in access to diagnostic and treatment services.

PRO, Raj Bhavan Kohima in a press release stated that as part of Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, a programme to distribute nutritional baskets to the TB Patients was held at Dr Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima on July 15.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that the efforts of the government are yielding significant results and “the community and the institutions in society can play a critical role in filling gaps and addressing social determinants, thereby contributing in the paths towards ending TB in India.”

The MoHFW is implementing the Community Support to TB patients-Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan by welcoming citizens to come forward as a Ni-Kshay Mitra or donor, he added.

The Governor mentioned that Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched by the President of India Droupadi Murmu on September 9, 2022. He emphasised that it is primarily driven by the office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the vision and ambitious goal to eliminate TB by 2025 which is 5 years ahead of the global target set by United Nation under its Sustainable Development Goals.

The Ni-Kshay Mitra programme include co-operative societies, corporate, elected representatives, individuals, institutions, non-governmental organizations, political parties and partners who can support by adopting health facilities or patients for accelerating response against TB to complement government efforts.

The Governor who himself had register as a Ni-Kshay expressed happiness that his officers and staff of Raj Bhavan have also come forward to register themselves as Nikshay Mitras.

He emphasised the need for more publicity and awareness programmer in order to encourage more Ni-Kshay Mitras in future. He called upon the department as well as the TB cells spread across the districts in Nagaland to be more proactive and help achieve the National target.

Rajesh Soundararajan, Secretary to the Governor, who gave delivered welcome address said this programme is not only about the nutritional supplements being handed over to the beneficiaries, rather it s being held at the behest of the Governor in order to create more awareness about the programme and to encouraged citizens to come forward as Ni-Kshay Mitras or Donors.

The secretary also disclosed that the officers and staffs of the Governor will also be sponsoring beneficiaries and altogether 17 Ni-Kshay Mitras from Raj Bhavan, Kohima have come forward to support this programme along with the Governor of Nagaland.

District TB Officer, Kohima Dr Chiben Kithan in his opening remarks said that PMTBMBA Kohima was launched on September 19, 2022. He highlighted the objectives and said that the involvement of the community in supporting the programme will boost the efforts for reduction of the stigma.

ADC, Kohima Rhosietho Nguori, Officials from Directorate H&FW, State TB Cells, officers and staffs of Governor‘s Secretariat also attended the programme.