Manipur launches nutritional support and X-ray distribution for TB patients

In Manipur, the government has launched a nutritional support initiative for tuberculosis (TB) patients and their caregivers as part of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan under the National TB Elimination Programme. The program, organized by the National Health Mission and the Directorate of Health Services, provides nutritional food baskets containing essential items like rice and pulses to improve patient immunity during treatment.

Supported by the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) through its Corporate Social Responsibility program, the initiative has sanctioned approximately Rs 2.9 crore to provide six months of nutritional assistance to roughly 1,800 patients across all 15 districts of Manipur.

During a distribution ceremony in Imphal, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla emphasized the need for improved case detection, particularly in remote and difficult-to-reach areas, noting that reported figures may not capture the full prevalence of the disease. To bolster screening efforts, handheld AI-enabled X-ray machines were also distributed to health officials to strengthen early detection services throughout the state.