The National Media Team from Delhi, under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), visited the Laitkor Sub-Center Health and Wellness Center to evaluate grassroots-level healthcare services and TB detection initiatives and progress under the 100-day TB elimination campaign.
During the visit, representatives from DD News, ANI, PTI, Amar Ujala, The Hindu, News 24, and News 18—engaged with doctors, ASHA workers, ANM workers, and patients who shared their experiences and challenges.
The visit also included discussions with Ramkumar S., Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) Meghalaya, who further provided an overview of the state’s TB elimination efforts. He expressed satisfaction that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritised TB elimination, emphasising the importance of improved nutrition and diagnostics. The introduction of TrueNAT machines across the state has significantly enhanced early detection, increasing testing capacity. Through initiatives like PM Nikshay Mitras, TB patients have received essential support. The state government has introduced a comprehensive kit for TB patients and their families, ensuring better care and recovery with stringent focus on providing nutrition to patients. Additionally, TB survivors are provided with skill development programs to help them reintegrate into society post-recovery.
He further emphasised that with continued efforts, TB occurrences have already declined, and the state is making steady progress this year with 10% of the total villages been declared TB free.
A key focus was on innovative portable diagnostic tools, including handheld sputum transformation devices and handheld X-ray machines. Dr. B. Shanpru, District TB Officer, East Khasi Hills, and Dr. R. Kharmih, Medical Officer for TB Control, provided insights into the ongoing healthcare challenges and the impact of the 100-day free TB campaign. They highlighted that efforts continue beyond the initial 100-day period to ensure broader coverage and sustained intervention. Notably, the Laitkor Sub-Center has been recognised as a Mercury-Free Center, reinforcing its commitment to safer healthcare practices.
Meban Kharkongor, State Coordinator, explained how healthcare workers transport these portable diagnostic devices to villages, significantly improving TB detection and early treatment access particularly in remote areas such as Bijasik Warinandal (East Garo Hills), Bone Megapre (Williamnagar), Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Mawkriah, and Nongspung B (Ri Bhoi), among other remote villages.
The delegation also visited Reid Provincial Chest Hospital, Shillong, where they interacted with healthcare officials and observed the distribution of nutritional food support from the state government, a comprehensive TB care initiative that aims to provide nutritional assistance to TB patients, ensuring better recovery outcomes.
The team also interacted with TB Champions Requeststar Kurbah and Ridalin Shullai, who shared their personal challenges, highlighting the stigma, challenges, and resilience required to overcome the disease. Additionally, they interacted with designated TB social influencers to gain insights into community engagement and awareness strategies.
The 100-day TB elimination campaign is a key initiative under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM). It supports the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB elimination (2017–2025), which aims to lower TB incidence, strengthen diagnostic and treatment services, and address the disease’s socio-economic impact. Covering 347 districts across 33 states and union territories, the campaign focuses on intensifying TB detection, minimizing diagnostic delays, and improving treatment outcomes, especially for high-risk populations. This effort plays a crucial role in India’s goal of eradicating TB and achieving a TB-free nation.
