Meghalaya declared 625 villages in East Khasi Hills district to be TB-free and identified 7, 867 tuberculosis cases ever since the 100-Days TB elimination campaign was launched in December, 2024.
The campaign was to provide awareness on TB, hold health camps with free TB tests and chest X-rays in five districts of East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills districts, where the burden of TB is higher.
The Office of the State Tuberculosis Officer, National Health Mission made all out efforts in its bid to strengthen TB elimination efforts by not just procuring 15 state-of-the-art digital handheld mobile X-ray units, 93 NAT, 13 CB-NAT and 80 TrueNat, but invented a strategy to integrate traditional healers into the healthcare system.
Of the 3,500 natural healers across the state, 1,227 are now registered to help bridge gaps in TB identification, testing and treatment. These natural healers play a crucial role in reaching communities where traditional practices are prevalent.
Several initiatives were also taken up in line with the national objective of eliminating TB. A facility for enhanced diagnosis including the culture and drug Susceptibility testing was opened at the R.P. Chest Hospital, Shillong. The facility has been instrumental particularly for drug- resistant TB cases, increasing the possibility of accurate and timely diagnosis and ensuring patients receive appropriate treatment regimens.
More than 4,500 TB patients were also adopted under the ‘Meghalaya Comprehensive TB Care’ and the only State in the country to provide tuberculosis patients and family members with additional nutritional kits of Rs 2000 per month.
Meanwhile, the state commemorated World Tuberculosis Day today.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh acknowledged the collective efforts of healthcare professionals and community workers who contributed to the success of the TB Elimination Program.
“We must ensure that tuberculosis becomes a disease of the past,” the minister remarked, emphasizing the need for sustained vigilance even beyond the 100-day campaign.
Meanwhile, office of the District Tuberculosis Control in West Jaintia Hills declared 19 villages in West and East Jaintia Hills districts as TB-free.
Healthcare workers were also awarded at a function held to observe the day.
