Meghalaya's Comprehensive TB Care: A Transformative Approach to Tackling Tuberculosis

Meghalaya's government has adopted 4,500 tuberculosis patients as part of the Ni-kshay Mitra program, enhancing support with additional nutrition and diagnostics. The initiative, aiming to boost treatment success and reduce financial burdens, offers Rs 2,000 worth of nutritional aid and free transportation, diagnostics, and skill development for patients.

The Meghalaya government has adopted around 4,500 tuberculosis patients, becoming a universal Ni-kshay Mitra under the intensified TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. This pioneering move is part of a larger effort to enhance treatment success rates and alleviate the financial burden on patients and their families.

Launched in December last year, Meghalaya's Comprehensive TB Care Initiative stands out by providing an additional Rs 2,000 monthly nutritional aid per patient, on top of the Rs 1,000 provided by the Union government's Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana. The state ensures faster patient recovery with nutritional kits and offers free transport and diagnostics for patients.

Studies indicate energy-dense, protein-rich diets significantly boost TB recovery chances. With improved testing facilities and skill development programs, Meghalaya has intensified efforts to curb TB, achieving a remarkable increase in detection and early treatment of cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)