“Today is a day of hope and a day to reaffirm our commitment to eliminating TB by 2025 as envisioned under the TB-Mukt Bharat initiative,” said the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, while addressing the state-level observation of the 44th World Tuberculosis Day at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Imphal.
The event, organized under the theme “YES WE CAN END TB: COMMIT, INVEST, DELIVER,” featured the distribution of certificates of appreciation, food baskets by Nikshay Mitras, and Kayakalp Awards. The Governor also handed over Certificates of Proficiency to the IRL Laboratory and prizes to the winners of a painting competition. A short film on TB elimination and a testimonial from a recovered TB patient were also presented, emphasizing the significance of early detection and treatment.
Highlighting the 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign, the Governor stated that the initiative, launched across six districts in Manipur on December 7, 2024, screened nearly 1 lakh individuals and identified over 400 new TB cases. He lauded the Nikshay Vahan mobile testing initiative, which enabled early diagnosis and treatment in remote areas. Under the Nikshay Mitra program, individuals and organizations have committed to supporting TB patients with nutritional assistance.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring TB elimination within the stipulated timeframe and urged the people to pledge their support in making Manipur TB-free. He also acknowledged the dedication of healthcare workers, administrators, and support staff in successfully implementing the Kayakalp program.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health) Sumant Singh highlighted Manipur’s outstanding performance in the 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign at the national level. He emphasized advancements in Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT), which enhances TB detection with high sensitivity and specificity. He expressed hope that, with community participation, the mission to eradicate TB would gain further momentum.
