Nemcha distributes "Food Basket " for TB patients
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kangpokpi, December 11 2023:
Commerce and Industries minister Nemcha Kipgen distributed "Food Baskets" for TB patient residents of her constituency on Monday.
The distribution programme was held at El-Shaddai, the Blessed Home, located at Kilkhong Veng, Ward No 13 in Kangpokpi DHQs in the presence of District TB officer, Dr Len Kamkhosat Khongsai, among others.
The "Food Basket" included essential items such as cereals, vegetable oil, and other nutritional foods, including eggs.
During the distribution function, Nemcha Kipgen emphasised the critical role of nutritional food in the treatment of TB patients.
She underscored that improving nutritional levels, especially among the economically disadvantaged, could contribute significantly to preventing TB cases and reducing mortality rates through more comprehensive care, inclusive of nutritional support.
She encouraged TB patients and their families to adopt proper and healthy habits and strongly emphasised the importance of maintaining hygiene and following indoor and outdoor preventive measures.
Expressing the goal of achieving a "TB-Free Assembly Constituency," Nemcha invited citizens, non-governmental organisations, corporate sector, institutions, NGOs, business houses, and village chiefs to sponsor monthly "Food Baskets" or support the food and nutritional needs of TB patients.
Approximately 10 on-treatment TB patients in Kangpokpi AC received the "Food Basket".
According to Dr Len Kamkhosat Khongsai, there are around 60 on-treatment TB patients in Kangpokpi district.
He noted that the number.of patients increased significantly after widespread violence affected the state, with only 15/20 on-treatment TB patients in the district before the violence erupted.
Dr Len highlighted challenges faced by the district TB office, and expressed concern about the lack of staff and the absence of his post as in the MGEL list.
He emphasised the urgent need for eighteen staff positions, including laboratory technicians, citing that no staff or post is re currently available at the district TB office.
He mentioned that few staff members were present before the violence, but due to the ongoing unrest, they could no longer stay in Kangpokpi.
He also outlined transportation challenges, including .sample transportation, testing, and follow-ups for on-treatment patients, due to staff shortages in these essential services.