Shillong, March 25: The Office of the State Tuberculosis Officer, National Health Mission commemorated the World Tuberculosis Day 2025 today, in tune with the global theme, “Yes WeCan End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Health Minister stated that the target is not to only complete TB screening but also ensure patients suffering from TB are covered under all assistance permitted by the Government.
She stressed on the importance of the traditional healers who cover about 36 percent of all kinds of treatment across the state, and acting as catalysts in the elimination while also bridging gaps of identification, testing and subsequent treatment for TB patients.
She congratulated the 625 TB-free villages that have been identified, which is an important message to the people of the state and stressed on how community participation allows better understanding of disease from patients’ perspective and affected communities by identifying barriers and difficulties through TB care cascade.
On December 2024, Meghalaya launched the 100-Days TB Elimination Campaign to provide awareness on TB; health camps are also organised providing free TB tests and chest X-rays and is being implemented in the 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.
In 2024, the programme notified 4573 cases of TB in the state, and since December 7, 867 patients have tested positive. Meghalaya has emerged as one of the top performing states in the 100-Days TB Elimination Campaign.
Dr. A. J. Rynjah, Assistant Programme Officer, NTEP in her address said that TB remains the top infectious disease killers in the world. India has put tremendous efforts in TB elimination activities including case detection, treatment coverage along with a host of community-based efforts, this has ultimately resulted in a baseline 18 percent decline in TB, which is twice over the global average decline of 8.3 percent.
Dr. Rynjah stated that Meghalaya has accelerated its TB detection efforts tailored to the state’s unique challenges by bringing in state-of-the-art digital handheld mobile X-ray units. Presently there are 15 units catering to all districts of Meghalaya, 93 NAT machines with 13 CB-NAT machines and 80 TrueNat Machines which allow an outstanding 85 percent upfront molecular diagnosis.
She spoke of the Comprehensive TB Plan introduced by NTEP which provides free transport to TB patients from home to diagnostic centers or health facility and all tests are provided free of cost by the government.
She also underscored the importance of active participation of Village Health Councils (VHCS) in the fight against TB; from the comprehensive TB Care Plan, villages are also incentivized for being TB-free.
Shri Arki Nengnong, a TB survivor who underwent Skill Development at MSSDS, Mawphlang said that TB, although a deadly disease, is curable through early detection, treatment and proper nutrition which aids in its eradication.
He also expressed his gratitude to the doctors and medical staff for their assistance, and for the skills he learnt through Meghalaya Stat Society which provides the youth with necessary skills and training for employment.
The Meghalaya Government has implemented several initiatives in line with the national objective of eliminating TB for Enhanced Diagnostic Facility including the Culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing. (C&DST) which was inaugurated in March 2024 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.
Recently, the government also ‘adopted’ more than 4500 TB patients in the state under the “Meghalaya Comprehensive TB Care” becoming a “Universal Ni-kshay Mitra”.
Meghalaya is also the only state that is providing tuberculosis patients and family members with additional nutritional kits COst Rs 2000 per month. Villages under East Khasi Hills District were awarded for being TB-free villages, and district awards were also handed out to Districts under various categories.
Dignitaries who attended the event included Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare; Dr. J. S. Momin, Director, Health Services (M); Smti. D. Kharshiing, Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills; Dr. Neela Kharsohnoh, Director of Health Services (MCH&FW) cum Joint MD, NHM.
Dr. P. Chyne Joint Director, Health Services (MI); Dr. M. Syiemlieh, State Tuberculosis Officer; Dr. A. J. Rynjah, Assistant Programme Officer, NTEP, State and District nodal officers, officials of the office of the State Tuberculosis Officer, doctor and staff of National Health Mission, among others.
IndiGo to operate direct flight from from Bhubaneswar in the East Coast to Goa West Coast
New Delhi, March 25: IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, announces the launch of new direct flights connecting Bhubaneswar and Goa, commencing April 1, 2025. This new service offers travellers a seamless and convenient way to explore the diverse cultural and scenic landscapes of both regions, whether seeking spiritual enrichment coastal relaxation or gastronomic delight.
The new flight is designed to cater to the growing demand for air travel in India, while promoting tourism and economic growth. With the commencement of these flights, IndiGo will now operate, over 200 weekly flights from Bhubaneshwar connecting 20 destinations.
Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, expressed enthusiasm for the new route, stating, “At IndiGo, our ongoing endeavour is to enhance connectivity and make air travel more accessible and hassle-free for our customers. The launch of the Bhubaneswar-Goa route offers our travellers a seamless link between two vibrant cities. Whether it’s a spiritual visit to Bhubaneswar’s ancient temples or a relaxing getaway to Goa’s scenic beaches, this direct flight will save time and make travel more convenient and affordable.”
Goa, renowned for its stunning coastline, vibrant nightlife, and Portuguese heritage, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From pristine beaches and historic forts to bustling markets and lively shacks, Goa has something for everyone.
Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is a city steeped in history and spirituality. Known as the “Temple City,” Bhubaneswar boasts magnificent ancient temples, showcasing intricate architecture and rich cultural heritage. The city also serves as a gateway to explore Odisha’s diverse landscapes, including serene beaches and wildlife sanctuaries.
