BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 19th December 2025: In a significant step towards building a tuberculosis-free India, Minister and Chandipur MLA Tinku Roy stood beside 27 TB patients in his constituency under the Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative. At a program held today at Vivekananda Bhavan in Shrirampur, Chandipur, the minister personally distributed food baskets containing nutritious items to the patients, pledging continued support until they recover.
The event was attended by Dr. Nupur Debbarma, State TB Officer and Joint Director of the National Health Mission, Unakoti Zilla Parishad Chairman Amolendu Das, members Bimal Kar and Shyamal Das, social worker Pintu Ghosh, District TB Officer Dr. Subhash Barua, along with health officials and dignitaries. Dr. Barua delivered the welcome address.
Speaking at the program, Dr. Debbarma recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment during the 2023 TB Day event in Varanasi to eliminate tuberculosis from India by 2025—five years ahead of the global target of 2030. She expressed optimism that India is on track to achieve this ambitious goal.
Minister Roy emphasized that malnutrition and substance abuse are major causes of TB. He noted that while TB was once considered incurable, timely screening and treatment now ensure full recovery. He highlighted that TB screening is being conducted not only in health centers but also in Anganwadi centers. Roy also announced Pratyasha, a unique social initiative in Chandipur where block officials and health workers visit elderly citizens at their homes to provide healthcare and support. He assured that the 27 patients receiving food baskets will continue to get protein-rich nutritional aid for at least six months until they are fully cured.
Launched in 2022, the Ni-Kshay Mitra program is part of the central government’s “TB Mukt Bharat” campaign. It encourages individuals, NGOs, corporates, and institutions to adopt TB patients and provide nutritional, psychological, and social support for six months or longer. Through the Ni-Kshay portal, patients and supporters are digitally connected, ensuring transparency and direct delivery of aid.
According to official data, Unakoti district currently has 223 TB patients, with 17 Ni-Kshay Mitras supporting 116 of them. The Chandipur initiative is expected to inspire hope and courage among patients while strengthening the fight against tuberculosis.
