Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla pushed the state's fight against tuberculosis during an August 6 review of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme at Raj Bhavan in Imphal. He launched the Nikshay Mitra Manipur web portal, nikshaymitramanipur.com, to mobilize public support. The site allows individuals, elected representatives, organizations, and institutions to sign up as Nikshay Mitras. These volunteers provide TB patients with essential assistance and monthly nutritional food baskets.
Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel and Health Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sumant Singh attended the briefing. Officials highlighted that Manipur has already scaled up diagnostic services and screening for vulnerable populations. Performance markers show gains in NAAT testing, X-ray screenings, and treatment completion rates. The state also bought AI-enabled handheld X-ray devices. These units help doctors reach patients in remote, difficult-to-access areas.
Sumant Singh outlined a strategy to accelerate the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The roadmap focuses on expanding active case finding, preventive treatment, and integrating TB screening into other public health initiatives. The department plans to bring more CSR partners into the fold to bolster nutritional support. "The programme will focus on strengthening district-led implementation through regular reviews, expanding active case finding and preventive treatment, mobilising more Nikshay Mitras and CSR partners to provide nutritional support," said Singh.
The Governor praised the Health Department's progress. He ordered officials to maintain the current pace through strict monitoring and inter-departmental coordination. The state wants a TB-free future. Success depends on early detection and deep community involvement.
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