Food distribution programmes organized for TB patients in East Jaintia Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 24, 2024

In an effort to raise awareness about the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme and the newly launched Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA), the Office of the District Tuberculosis Officer, Jaintia Hills, in collaboration with Star Cement Limited, Lumshnong, organized Food Distribution Programmes under the Community Support Scheme for TB Patients on August 23 at Khliehriat Civil Hospital and Sutnga CHC.

The programme at Khliehriat Civil Hospital was attended by the District Medical & Health Officer (DMHO) of East Jaintia Hills District, Dr. D Shylla, along with the Medical Officer in-charge of Khliehriat Civil Hospital, Dr. A Lakiang; the Medical Officer in-charge of the Tuberculosis Centre in Jowai, Dr. DS Tariang; Manager-CSR of Star Cement Limited, Lumshnong, Kingshok K Borah; and several other dignitaries.

During his address at Khliehriat Civil Hospital, Dr. D Shylla highlighted that tuberculosis is a communicable disease that has persisted for a long time. He emphasized the government’s ongoing initiatives to eliminate TB and encouraged attendees to get themselves tested for TB to know their health status. Dr. Shylla also informed the gathering about the availability of free medicines provided by the government for TB patients and urged patients to adhere strictly to their prescribed medication schedule to safeguard their health and prevent the spread of the disease within their families.

Dr. Shylla expressed his gratitude to Star Cement Limited, Lumshnong, for sponsoring the food items distributed to the patients. Kingshok K Borah, Manager-CSR of Star Cement Limited, Lumshnong, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting TB patients in East Jaintia Hills District. Other speakers at the event included Dr. A Lakiang, Medical Officer in-charge of Khliehriat Civil Hospital, and P Susngi, District Programme Coordinator.

Following the programme, food packages containing rice, mustard oil, eggs, and other essentials were distributed to 18 patients present at Khliehriat Civil Hospital.

At Sutnga CHC, a similar programme was held, where 27 patients received food packages. The event was attended by the Medical & Health Officer in-charge of Sutnga CHC, Dr. L Sutnga; Senior Tuberculosis Laboratory Supervisor (STLS), Watson Siangshai; Senior Treatment Supervisor (STS), Linus Manner; Manager-CSR, Star Cement Limited, Lumshnong, Kingshok K. Borah; and other health officials.

During the programmes, health officials informed that 100 TB patients in East Jaintia Hills District have received nutritional support under the Community Support Scheme sponsored by Star Cement Limited, Lumshnong.