Manipur: Nutritional Food Baskets Distributed to TB Patients
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla distributes nutritional food baskets to TB patients in Manipur under the Nikshay Mitra initiative.
In a significant move towards eradicating tuberculosis from the state, a special distribution ceremony was held in Imphal to provide nutritional support to TB patients and their caregivers. Held at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) on Saturday, the event was part of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan under the National TB Elimination Programme.
The initiative, organized by the National Health Mission and the Directorate of Health Services of the Government of Manipur, aims to bolster the recovery of patients through essential dietary assistance. The nutritional support is being facilitated via the Nikshay Mitra initiative, backed by the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
Governor Leads Distribution Drive
Manipur Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla led the ceremony, personally distributing nutritional food baskets to patients and their family members. The distribution is not limited to the capital; the program is set to reach all 15 districts across Manipur to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Speaking at the event, Governor Bhalla highlighted that tuberculosis is a curable disease. He urged patients to maintain their strength and strictly adhere to their treatment protocols to ensure a full recovery. He also lauded the collaborative efforts of various organizations and individuals working toward this public health goal.
Strengthening Detection and Immunity
To complement the nutritional support, the program also focused on improving medical infrastructure. Handheld X-ray machines were distributed during the ceremony, a move intended to significantly enhance TB screening and early detection services throughout the state.
The nutritional baskets are designed to provide essential elements required to boost immunity. According to State TB Officer Dr. Hemalata Thokchom, these baskets contain vital items such as:
- Rice
- Pulses
- Other nutrient-dense food items
Dr. Thokchom emphasized that nutritional support is a critical component in improving the immunity status of those battling the disease. She also noted that the initiative is open to all, inviting individuals, organizations, and corporates to register themselves as Nikshay Mitras to support patients.
A Collective Fight for a TB-Free Manipur
The keynote address was delivered by Sumant Singh, Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, who stressed the vital link between early detection, nutritional support, and collective societal effort. The ultimate objective is to achieve a TB-free Manipur in alignment with the broader national goal of eliminating tuberculosis from India.
The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including:
- Rajeev Singh Thakur, Chief Secretary of Manipur
- Gurdeep Singh, NTPC Chairman and Managing Director
- Sumant Singh, Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare
Under the CSR initiative, NTPC has sanctioned approximately ₹2.9 crore to provide six months of nutritional support, marking a substantial investment in the state's healthcare landscape.