Link ART Centre opened at District Hospital Kakching
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, February 04 2026: A Link Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centre was inaugurated today at District Hospital Kakching, jointly organised by the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC), District Hospital Kakching, and the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU), marking a significant boost to HIV care services in the district.

The inaugural function was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Kakching, P Shantikumar as chief guest, Dr Thaodem Rajen, Chief Medical Officer of Kakching and Director of District Mission, District Health Society (DHS), Kakching as functional president.

Guests of honour included Dr Byendra Yengkhom, District AIDS Control Officer, Thoubal; Dr Sanasam Jupiter, Deputy Director, Contraction Stress Test (CST) Division MACS; and Dr Ninthoujam Brojendro, in-charge Medical Officer, DHS Kakching, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, ADC Kakching P Shantikumar said that being a newly formed district, the public of Kakching has faced several challenges including healthcare, infrastructure and other sectors.

However, he noted that the government has been taking up various developmental initiatives from time to time for the welfare of the people.

Emphasising collective responsibility, he called upon the public and government employees alike to work together to bring the district at par with other districts of the State.

He further stated that although a full-fledged ART Centre could not be opened in Kakching, the newly inaugurated facility under ART Centre, Thoubal would benefit many people living with HIV by ensuring easy access to live-saving treatment.

Dr Thaodem Rajen, CMO Kakching, stated that earlier, ART users from Kakching had to travel to Thoubal or even JNIMS, Imphal, to collect their ART medicines, despite a Link Centre having previously functioned at Sugnu.

With the inauguration of the centre at Kakching, he said, many patients would now be spared the hardship of long-distance travel to get their medicines.

He further informed that more than 500 people in Kakching district require ART, while at present only around 200 individuals are availing the therapy.

The new facility, he said, would help prevent missed doses caused by travel constraints, thereby improving treatment adherence.

Highlighting the importance of regular and timely intake of ART, Dr Rajen said that adherence to therapy enables people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives.

He urged individuals living with HIV/AIDS to overcome stigma and hesitation and to avail themselves of ART services without fear.

As part of the programme, dignitaries also distributed ART medicines to beneficiaries who will now receive treatment from the newly inaugurated centre.

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