Mizoram Governor, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), graced the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan programme at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday. The event featured a felicitation ceremony to honor Nikshay Mitra, volunteers providing nutritious food support to tuberculosis (TB) patients under the Food Basket Support initiative, alongside the distribution of essential food baskets to TB patients. Health & Family Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii also graced this occasion.
In his address, Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh reiterated India’s ambitious goal to become TB-free by 2025, five years ahead of the global target of 2030. With only six months remaining, he emphasized the urgent need for intensified efforts to achieve this milestone, stating that success hinges on collective action beyond the Health Department’s efforts alone. He noted that advancements in diagnostics and the availability of accessible medicines have made TB more manageable, underscoring the importance of sustained efforts to eradicate the disease from India.
The Governor also commended the Health Minister, Health Department officials and Nikshay Mitras for their dedicated support to TB patients. He noted that of the 1,501 TB patients currently under treatment in Mizoram, only 117 (7.8%) are receiving nutritional aid through the Food Basket Support initiative. Urging increased participation to address this shortfall, he pledged to personally provide food baskets for 10 TB patients. He called on NGOs, churches and all stakeholders to ensure every TB patient receives adequate nutrition, emphasizing the shared responsibility to make Mizoram India’s first TB-free state.
Health Minister Lalrinpuii stressed the ongoing efforts to eliminate TB, noting the importance of community-level awareness to prevent its airborne transmission. She highlighted the government’s initiatives, including free TB testing and medicines, as well as monthly nutritional aid of Rs 1,000 directly credited to patients’ accounts. The minister underscored the need for increased education on TB, affirming that the disease can be overcome through collective determination and cooperation.
During the ceremony, the Governor felicitated two exemplary Nikshay Mitras, NEDFi and Dr. Laxmi Narayan, for their significant contributions to providing food baskets. Food baskets were distributed to four TB patients, and the Governor received a cheque of Rs 4,90,000/- from NEDFi on behalf of 100 TB patients to support their nutritional needs under the Food Basket Support initiative.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by H. Lalengmawia, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, who outlined the objectives of the event. Dr. Zochhuanawmi, Joint Director (TB) and State TB Officer, provided a detailed overview of ongoing efforts and progress toward achieving a TB-free Mizoram. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Lily Chhakchhuak, Mission Director, National Health Mission.
Data presented at the event highlighted that of the 1,501 TB patients currently under treatment in Mizoram, only 117 (7.8%) are receiving nutritional assistance through the Food Basket Support initiative. With 76 active Nikshay Mitras, 32.5% of TB patients still lack adequate nutritional support, contributing to malnutrition challenges. In the national TB score ranking, Mizoram stands at 12th place with 68 points and a treatment success rate of 79.50%. However, approximately 5% of patients succumb to the disease. In 2024, Mizoram reported 2,306 TB cases, with 136 deaths recorded.
