Northeast Desk, 9th August: In a significant achievement for public health, 98 villages in Meghalaya’s North Garo Hills (NGH) district were recognized for becoming tuberculosis (TB) free in 2023. The ceremony took place at the Mendipathar Multi-purpose Cooperative Hall in Resubelpara, organized by the District Tuberculosis Officer of Williamnagar.
The villages were honored based on their adherence to six key indicators set by the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), which aims to eradicate TB by 2025. Each of the 98 villages from 11 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) received certificates and a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, symbolizing Gandhi’s vision of healthy communities.
During the event, NGH Deputy Commissioner AK Singh praised the health department and all stakeholders involved in the TB elimination efforts. He emphasized the importance of ongoing commitment from health workers and the community to sustain TB-free status.
Dr. Chrissie Pearly M. Sangma, District Tuberculosis Officer for East and North Garo Hills, elaborated on the six indicators necessary for maintaining TB-free status and stressed that while tuberculosis is serious, it is curable with proper treatment and support.
The event also saw the recognition of Ni-kshay Mitras, donors under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, for their voluntary financial contributions to support TB patients. Villages that maintain TB-free status for two years will receive a silver statue of Mahatma Gandhi, with a gold statue awarded for three additional years of maintaining the status.