District Hospital Namchi Launches 100 Days Campaign for Tuberculosis Elimination

Namchi, December 7 (IPR): The District Hospital Namchi held the launch programme for the 100 Days Campaign on Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination under the initiative of Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi.
The campaign is part of the ‘TB Mukt Bharat’ movement with the slogan “TB Harega Desh Jeetega”. The event took place today at the conference hall of the hospital.
The programme was graced by
Mr Milan Manger, Zilla Panchayat Member, Mamley-Kamrang Territory,
Mr C K Gurung, Zilla Panchayat Member, Tingrithang-Damthang Territory,
Mr D D Bhutia, Zilla Panchayat Member, Assangthang-Salghari Territory as the Chief Guest and
Ms Deepti Pradhan DIO Namchi as the Special Guest
Also present were Dr. SN Adhikari Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Namchi
Dr. D Deokota Principal Chief Consultant,
Dr. Raju Singh District Medical Superintendent (DMS),
Dr. B K Chauhan, District RCH Officer (DRCHO),
Dr. Pratik Rasaily, District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO), Officers and staff members of District Hospital Namchi.
Mr Milan Manger expressed his gratitude to the dignitaries and highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts between the hospital staff and the public for the success of the campaign. He stressed that the campaign’s success depends on widespread public participation and awareness.
Dr. SN Adhikar CMO, emphasised the importance of cooperation from Zilla Panchayats to mobilise the public and address the stigma surrounding tuberculosis, which often hinders individuals from seeking treatment.
He outlined the plan for health personnel to visit villages across the district to identify and treat TB cases.
Additionally, he urged the community to actively contribute to increasing the number of Nikshay Mitras in the district.
Dr. D Deokota, the Principal Chief Consultant, shared valuable insights into the evolving perceptions of tuberculosis.
He highlighted that advancements in technology and effective control programmes have significantly reduced TB cases.
He stressed that the ongoing campaign would be pivotal in further reducing TB cases and ultimately eliminating the disease.
Dr. Pratik Rasaily, the DTO, provided an overview of the campaign’s scope, mentioning that 347 districts nationwide, including Namchi and Gyalsing in Sikkim, had been selected.
He explained that the campaign would focus on identifying and testing vulnerable populations within the community who are at a higher risk of contracting tuberculosis.
He also discussed the significance of TB preventive therapy and the need for a multi-sectoral approach to eliminate TB.
He also highlighted the Nikshay Shivir initiative, which provides essential nutritional support to TB patients during their treatment.
During the event, Dr. Gyan Prasad Pradhan, the TB/HIV Coordinator for Namchi district, administered the TB Mukt Bharat pledge.
A ceremony was also held to felicitate Nikshay Mitras and TB Champions. These individuals were recognised for their contribution to the campaign and for their remarkable journey in overcoming tuberculosis.
The programme concluded with the distribution of nutritional goods to the families of TB patients, an essential part of the Nikshay Mitra initiative, which provides culturally accepted food baskets to improve the nutritional status of TB patients.
As part of the event, the guests inaugurated the Nikshay Shivir and flagged off the Nikshay Van at the premises of District Hospital Namchi. The Nikshay Van will serve as a mobile unit for providing support to TB patients.
It maybe mentioned here that the Nikshay Mitra ia an initiative, under the TB Elimination Programme, aims to provide nutritional support to TB patients by sponsoring locally available and culturally acceptable food baskets.
TB Champions are individuals who have been cured of tuberculosis and are now living healthy, normal lives, serving as inspirational figures for others battling the disease.
This event marks an important step in the fight against tuberculosis, with a strong emphasis on awareness, early detection, and multi-sectoral involvement to ensure the elimination of TB in the district and across India.