A comprehensive tuberculosis screening camp was organised today at the Raj Bhavan premises for officers, staff members and their families.
The primary objectives of the screening were early detection and prevention, aiming to identify TB at its initial stages to prevent its spread and ensure timely treatment.
During the screening, 65 individuals were assessed. Sputum samples were collected from nine individuals and 44 underwent X-ray examinations. The event went beyond diagnosis, serving as a platform for community engagement under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat initiative. As part of this effort, the staff of Raj Bhavan pledged to provide nutritional support to 17 paediatric TB patients from East Khasi Hills over the next six months.
Governor of Meghalaya CH Vijayashankar personally distributed the first instalment of monthly nutritional support to seven paediatric TB patients currently undergoing treatment, who were accompanied by their family members. The remaining food baskets were handed over to the District TB Centre, Shillong for further distribution to other patients.
This nutritional assistance is crucial in helping patients maintain their strength, adhere to treatment and improve overall treatment outcomes.
The programme also aimed to address the stigma and misconceptions surrounding TB by providing support openly.
The Raj Bhavan community is hopeful that this initiative will inspire more people to become donors or Nikshay Mitra through the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan platform. They aim to encourage more individuals to come forward and support TB patients, emphasising the importance of early detection, proper care and unity in the fight against the disease.
The Governor took time to connect with the patients and their families, genuinely understanding their challenges and offering heartfelt words of encouragement.
In a heartfelt interaction, he addressed the challenges faced by one young patient who had stopped education. The Governor counselled both the patient and his father, assuring them of support to help him return to school. Vijayashankar emphasised the importance of education, stating, “No child should miss education due to illnesses”.
