Shillong, March 24: Meghalaya marked World TB Day on Tuesday with the launch of the second phase of a 100-day campaign aimed at eliminating tuberculosis, as state officials reinforced efforts to expand screening, diagnosis, and community support.
Addressing the occasion, Health and Family Welfare Minister Wailadmiki Shylla has emphasized that eliminating Tuberculosis in Meghalaya requires a united, community-driven approach that extends beyond the isolated efforts of frontline healthcare workers.
Highlighting recent healthcare milestones, he lauded the Hon’ble Chief Minister for his visionary leadership in allocating a 9% of the state’s total budget to the health sector.
He further added that, “This itself shows where the priority of the Government lies. In India, the average spending for each person is ₹ 3,500. But in our State, it is ₹ 7,800 per person.”
He also announced the upcoming operationalization of the Medical Colleges in Shillong and Tura, which will inject around 200 new doctors into the State’s workforce in the upcoming years and fill the requirement of human resource in the Primary and Community Health Centres. He also noted a significant reduction in the State’s Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), bringing Meghalaya below the national average.
Dr Neela E. Kharsahnoh, Director of Health Services (MCH & FW), stressed that ending TB is achievable through “strengthening commitments, investing in proven strategies, and ensuring effective service delivery to those who need it most.”
Dr JS Momin, Director of Health Services (MI), emphasized the campaign’s use of AI-enabled tools and portable X-rays for targeted screening, while also praising frontline workers and village health committees for connecting communities to care.
Dr AJRynjah, Assistant Programme Officer of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, reported that Meghalaya ranks fourth nationally, with 97% of diagnostic tests carried out on advanced NAAT machines and handheld digital X-rays that deliver results in five minutes. She added that 1,258 villages—18% of the state—have already achieved TB-free status, and urged people to volunteer as Ni-kshay Mitras to support patients.
