Shillong, March 28: Meghalaya observed the World Tuberculosis Day 2023 under the theme “Yes! We can End TB”, at a programme held today at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong. The programme was organised by the Office of the Mission Director, National Health Mission, Meghalaya. Health & Family Welfare Minister, Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh attended the programme as Chief Guest.
Speaking at the programme, Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh stated that Tuberculosis is a life threatening disease since it claims so many lives yet it is preventable and curable with regular and proper medication.
While lauding the continuous efforts put in by the medical fraternity of the state, the Minister said that they are torch bearers in eradicating Tuberculosis by 2025, which is in line with the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis (2017-2025) with the goal of ending TB by 2025.
The Minister also called upon the collective efforts of all stakeholders in combating this deadly disease and expressed hope that with the changed perception from government based to community based, so that the target can be achieved as per the NSP.
She also stressed that community participation plays a vital role in clearing the myths revolving around TB and ensuring that proper awareness at the grass root level can be achieved.
During the programme, the minister along with other dignitaries presented the Sub National Certification to East Khasi Hills District for bagging a silver medal carrying a cash prize of Rs 3 lakhs and a bronze medal carrying a cash prize of Rs 2 lakhs each was presented to West Jaintia Hills, West Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills districts.
It may be mentioned that the Sub National Certification is a meticulously designed process of setting up benchmarks, evaluation for pre-requisites for claims and detailed process for verification by districts & states and its verification through an independent agency by the Health Ministry, Government of India followed by certification and award.
During the programme awards were also presented to Ri-Bhoi, East Garo Hills and South Garo Hills districts by the NHM, Meghalaya for their efforts in taking proactive steps in reducing TB cases.
The award carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs 50,000/- each. Awards were also presented to the winners of the Drawing Competition for both Junior and Senior categories and TB warriors,champions who have been cured and have fully recovered from TB were also felicitated.
