Food items distributed to TB patients at Khliehriat Civil Hospital 

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 30, 2024

In an effort to raise awareness about the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme and the recently launched Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA), the District Tuberculosis Officer’s office in Jaintia Hills collaborated with Star Cement Limited, Lumshnong, as part of their CSR initiatives a Food Distribution event was organized under the Community Support Scheme for TB Patients at Khliehriat Civil Hospital on Tuesday. The program, attended by District Tuberculosis Officer Dr. E.B.V Laloo, Medical Officer in-charge Khliehriat Civil Hospital Dr. Iohbor Rymbai and Manager-CSR Kingshok K. Borah and several others.

Dr. E.B.V Laloo, in her address, emphasized various measures that patients can adopt at home to prevent the spread of tuberculosis within their families. She highlighted the connection between malnutrition and the activation of micro bacteria causing TB. Dr. Laloo urged patients to adhere to prescribed medication schedules and emphasized that a three-month medication period is insufficient for recovery. She also shed light on financial assistance schemes, such as the Nikshay Poshan Yojana Scheme, providing Rs. 500 per month to registered TB patients throughout their treatment.

Expressing gratitude to Star Cement Limited for sponsoring the distributed food items, Dr. Laloo encouraged community members to collaborate with health centers to eliminate TB. Kingshok K. Borah, Manager-CSR at Star Cement Limited, expressed satisfaction with the declining number of TB patients in the district and reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting TB patients in East Jaintia Hills District.

Other speakers included Dr. Iohbor Rymbai, Medical Officer in-charge at Khliehriat Civil Hospital and Linus Manner, Senior Treatment Supervisor (STS). Following the program, packages containing rice, mustard oil, eggs, and more were distributed to over 43 patients in attendance, contributing to the community’s well-being.