Assam Governor Adopts 100 TB Patients to Champion TB-Free India Mission

Assam Governor adopts 100 TB patients from Kamrup Metro and Nagaon districts, under the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative, to support India's vision of a TB-free nation. Efforts include local heroes, technological integration, and increased community support to boost diagnosis, treatment, and awareness.

In a pivotal stride towards a tuberculosis-free India, Assam Governor adopted 100 TB patients from Kamrup Metro and Nagaon districts under the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative on Wednesday. The adoption was announced at a special program at Raj Bhavan, Guwahati, where food baskets were distributed to five TB patients, and recognition was given to five Ni-kshay Mitras and five TB Champions for their diligent roles in combating tuberculosis.

Governor Acharya emphasized the critical role of community involvement in healthcare, stating that despite TB being a major public health challenge, collective action and community engagement could lead to its eradication. He underscored that eliminating TB involves not only medical interventions but also social and emotional support.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to spread the national TB elimination campaign as a mass movement, Acharya called for extensive community engagement to eliminate TB. The Governor highlighted Assam's progress in the battle against TB, noting a significant increase in testing rates and a 90% treatment success rate, setting a benchmark in TB care and control.

Acharya noted the state's adoption of AI tools, like the Prediction of Adverse TB Outcomes (PATO), enhancing early detection of complications and boosting patient outcomes. The TB mortality rate in Assam has dropped from 3.1% to 2.4%, reflecting successful intervention measures.

The Governor praised the ongoing '100-Day TB-Free India Campaign' and others led by the State Health Department, which enhance awareness and provide direct support to patients, including financial and nutritional aid.

Since the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative launched on September 9, 2022, over 21,600 Mitras have offered essential support to TB patients in Assam. Emphasizing public participation as key to a TB-free India, the Governor acknowledged contributions from healthcare workers and volunteers, urging greater community and institutional cooperation for a healthier Assam.

Reaffirming his commitment to bolstering TB patient support and state response efforts, the Governor declared that along with medical treatment, empathy and community engagement are crucial for restoring health and dignity to TB sufferers. His initiative to adopt 100 TB patients serves as a statement of solidarity, urging broader participation in the quest for a TB-free Assam and India.

The event was marked by the presence of officials including Dr. P. Ashok Babu, Commissioner and Secretary for Health and Family Welfare, S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary to the Governor, along with senior representatives from various health departments and dignitaries.

(With inputs from agencies.)