Nutrional food baskets distributed : Shortage of staff, lack of adequate facilities highlighted
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, December 11 2023:
Textiles, Commerce, and Industry and Corporation Minister, Nemcha Kipgen, who is also the local MLA of Kangpokpi Assembly Constituency distributed "Food Baskets" for TB patients in her constituency today.
The food baskets were distributed to 10 TB patients during a simple function held at El-Shaddai, the Blessed Home, at Kilkhong Veng, Ward No 13 at Kangpokpi District Headquarters in the presence of the District Tuberculosis Officer, Dr Len Kamkhosat Khongsai.
The food basket contained cereals, vegetable oil, and other nutritional foods including eggs.
Speaking at the occasion, Nemcha Kipgen stressed on the importance of nutritional food for TB patients while highlighting that most cases of tuberculosis in society can be prevented if nutritional levels are improved among the poor and most deaths can be prevented if the patients receive more comprehensive care inclusive of nutritional support.
She also encouraged TB patients and family members to maintain proper and healthy habits while strongly emphasizing the importance of maintaining hygienic and other indoor and outdoor preventive measures.
With an aim to achieve a "TB-Free Assembly Constituency", she encouraged the citizens, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), corporate sector, institutions, business houses, village chiefs, etc to sponsor monthly "Food Basket" or take care of the food and nutritional requirements of TB patients who require good quality nutrition to check the further spread of the infection.
According to the District Tuberculosis Officer, Dr Len Kamkhosat Khongsai, there are around 60 TB patients in Kangpokpi district who are undergoing treatment.
He said that the number of TB patients increased after the wide-scale violence hit the State adding that there were only 15/20 TB patients in the district before the violence.
While highlighting the grievance of the District Tuberculosis Department, Dr Len Kamkhosat Khongsai said that there is no more staff under his department and even his post as a District Tuberculosis Officer is also not an MGEL post.
He highlighted that at least eighteen staff/posts including laboratory technicians are required but not a single post or staff is currently available at the District Tuberculosis Office.
He said that there were few staff before the violence but owing to the ongoing violence they could no longer stay in Kangpokpi.
He further highlighted the issues in the transportation of samples, tests, follow-up of on-treatment patients, etc.
owing to the non-availability of staff.