Steps on for enhanced TB detection
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 03 2026: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla today led the distribution of Nutritional Food Baskets to TB patients and handheld X-ray machines to health officials for enhanced TB detection in Manipur.

The programme held at the MSFDS Imphal was supported by the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC), a Nikshay Mitra, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative as a part of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

Under its CSR initiative, the NTPC has sanctioned approximately Rs 2.9 crore to provide nutritional assistance to around 1,800 TB patients and their families across all districts of Manipur.

Steps on for enhanced TB detection

The nutritional support distributed aims to provide essential nutritional assistance to Tuberculosis patients during their treatment and recovery.

Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur; CMD, National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd (NTPC), Gurdeep Singh; and Commissioner (H&FW), Sumant Singh also attended the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla stated that while Manipur's reported TB indicators are relatively favourable, greater efforts are needed to strengthen case detection, particularly in remote and difficult-to-reach areas, as reported numbers may not fully reflect the actual prevalence.

He called upon the Health Department and district authorities to ensure the effective deployment of the newly provided handheld X-ray machines in remote areas and to regularly monitor their use and outcomes to strengthen early detection of TB .

Highlighting the importance of sustained support for TB patients and their families, the Governor welcomed NTPC's nutritional support initiative for around 1,800 patients, and expressed hope that it could be extended to cover more patients as additional cases are identified.

He also urged community leaders and organisations to come forward as Nikshay Mitras and provide nutritional, emotional and social support to patients, stressing that a coordinated effort involving Government agencies, corporate partners, healthcare workers and communities is essential to achieving a TB-free Manipur and TB-free India.

CMD, NTPC, Gurdeep Singh assured NTPC's readiness to extend support under the Nikshay Mitra initiative as required.

Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur appreciated the NTPC for its support towards the TB patients, noting that the initiative will strengthen the State's TB elimination efforts.

Commissioner (H&FW), Sumant Singh, stated that the initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a TB Mukt Bharat.

The programme was organised by the National Health Mission and State Directorate of Health Services under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) .