Guwahati (Assam) [India], October 23 (HBTV): In a significant step towards strengthening community involvement in achieving a TB-free India, Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday adopted 100 tuberculosis (TB) patients from Kamrup Metro and Nagaon districts under the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) at a programme held at Raj Bhavan in Guwahati.
The Governor made this announcement during a ceremonial event where he also distributed food baskets to five TB patients and felicitated five Ni-Kshay Mitras and five TB Champions in recognition of their efforts towards combating tuberculosis.
Highlighting the importance of community participation in public health initiatives, Governor Kataria said tuberculosis continues to be one of the most pressing health challenges in the country. He added that with collective efforts, compassion, and sustained engagement, the goal of eliminating TB is within reach.
He described the adoption of 100 TB patients as both a personal responsibility and a commitment, stressing that eliminating the disease requires not only medical care but also social and emotional support.
Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming the national TB elimination campaign into a Jan Andolan, the Governor reiterated the need for large-scale community participation to eradicate the disease. He also acknowledged the significant progress made by Assam in TB control.
According to the Governor, Assam’s TB testing rate has risen sharply from 842 per lakh population in 2022 to 2,915 per lakh population, ensuring timely diagnosis and early intervention. With a 90 per cent treatment success rate, the state is setting a benchmark in TB care and control.
He further noted that the integration of AI-based tools such as Prediction of Adverse TB Outcomes (PATO) is improving early detection of complications and enhancing patient outcomes.
‘As a result of these concerted efforts, the TB mortality rate in the state has declined from 3.1 per cent to 2.4 per cent, a promising indicator of the state’s success in tackling the disease,’ Kataria said.
The Governor commended the ongoing 100-Day TB-Free India Campaign and other initiatives led by Raj Bhavan and the State Health Department to raise awareness and provide direct support to patients. Awareness drives are being conducted in educational institutions, while financial and nutritional assistance is being extended to those undergoing treatment.
Since the launch of the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative on September 9, 2022, Assam has registered over 21,600 Ni-kshay Mitras, who play a vital role in providing holistic support to TB patients.
The Governor emphasised that public participation is crucial to achieving the goal of a TB Mukt Bharat and recognised the efforts of healthcare workers, government officials, and volunteers for their relentless contribution to the campaign.
Reiterating his commitment to supporting TB patients and strengthening the state’s response to the disease, the Governor said that while medical treatment is essential, compassion and community involvement are equally important in restoring health and dignity to those suffering from TB.
His adoption of 100 TB patients sends a strong message of solidarity and social responsibility, encouraging more individuals and institutions to join the mission for a healthier Assam and a TB-free India.
The event was attended by the Commissioner and Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Dr P. Ashok Babu; the Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor, S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram; and senior officials from the Raj Bhavan, National Health Mission, and State TB Cell, NTEP Assam, along with several other dignitaries. (ANI)