In a significant achievement, 98 villages in the North Garo Hills (NGH) district of Meghalaya were honoured for achieving Tuberculosis (TB)-free status in 2023. The recognition took place during a program organised by the District Tuberculosis Officer in Williamnagar, held at the Mendipathar Multipurpose Cooperative Hall, Resubelpara.
These villages were declared TB-free based on six critical indicators outlined under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), which aims to eradicate TB in Bharat by 2025. Certificates and bronze statues of Mahatma Gandhi, symbolising his vision of healthy villages, were awarded to the villages from 11 Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in the district.
The program highlighted a future incentive: villages that maintain their TB-free status for two consecutive years will receive a silver statue of Mahatma Gandhi, while those that sustain it for three more years will be awarded a gold statue.
AK Singh, the Deputy Commissioner of NGH, served as the chief guest and praised the efforts of the Health department and stakeholders in working towards the elimination of tuberculosis. He stressed the importance of continued collaboration between health workers and the community to achieve and maintain TB-free village status.
Dr Chrissie Pearly M Sangma, the District Tuberculosis Officer for East and North Garo Hills, explained the six indicators required for a village to be recognised as TB-free. She urged every village to adhere to these indicators and remain committed to the fight against tuberculosis. Dr Sangma emphasised that although TB is a severe illness, it is curable with proper treatment and support for patients.
Additionally, Ni-kshay Mitras (donors) who voluntarily provided financial assistance to TB patients under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana were honoured for their contributions.
