Attendees take a pledge towards a TB-free India during the State TB Forum, Nagaland meeting in Kohima on June 25. (Morung Photo)
• 4,053 TB patients, only 1,327 local Ni-kshay Mitras
• Just 21% of active patients receiving nutritional support
• Forum seeks greater role for elected representatives, CSR engagement
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 25
With only 497 of the 2,359 or mere 21% of active TB patients in Nagaland currently receiving nutritional support under the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative, the State TB Forum Nagaland on Thursday called for strengthening the programme through greater participation of elected representatives.
Presently, the State has approximately 4,053 TB patients, while only 1,327 local Ni-kshay Mitras have enrolled so far, leaving a critical gap in patient support.
"All should be on board," opined Anoop Khinchi, Commissioner & Secretary for Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, while chairing the Forum's meeting held at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on June 25.
Accordingly, he informed that the Forum would write to the Chief Minister of Nagaland seeking support from elected representatives for TB patients in the State, and to Oil India Limited for nutritional support under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
"We need to put more effort to eliminate TB," Khinchi added, stressing the need to accelerate efforts towards India's unwavering commitment to eradicate the disease.
Notably, in February 2026, Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen appealed to all Administrative Heads of Department (AHoDs), HoDs, district heads, corporate leaders, senior officers, public sector undertakings (PSUs) and civil society organisations to enrol as Ni-kshay Mitras and lead by example in the mission to make Nagaland TB-free.
Likewise, on June 6 this year, the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, wrote to the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), seeking it to facilitate and advocate CSR partnerships with prospective corporate houses and PSUs under the Ni-kshay Mitra scheme to adopt 1,862 TB patients in Nagaland.
Under the Ni-kshay Mitra scheme, corporate donors can adopt patients by sponsoring a monthly nutritional food basket costing Rs 1,000 per patient. The minimum commitment period is six months and may extend up to three years.
19% reduction in TB incidence
Meanwhile, State TB Officer (National TB Elimination Programme) Dr Akum Jamir informed the meeting that Nagaland registered a 19% reduction in TB incidence and an 18% reduction in mortality between 2015 and 2023.
The meeting further discussed the TB Mukt Bharat 100 Days campaign, involvement of elected representatives (MPs, MLAs, PRIs and VDBs), collaboration among vertical programmes and line departments, the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, engagement of TB champions, and the TB Mukt Bharat App and chatbot.
It also reviewed the minutes of the previous meeting and the action taken report.
Under the TB Mukt (free) Panchayat initiative, 214 villages in Nagaland have claimed TB-free status while total of 505 TB Shivir (screening) camps were organised across the State, recording a footfall of 30,926.
Later, the Forum took a pledge to eliminate fear through awareness, end discrimination and stigma associated with the disease, remain vigilant, and work towards a TB-free India, before concluding with a vote of thanks by Dr Apichetla Amer, Assistant Programme Officer, State TB Cell.
About the forum
The State TB Forum, Nagaland, under the National TB Elimination Programme, was constituted to engage policymakers and implementers in ensuring the rights, dignity and well-being of patients through effective service delivery, while supplementing government efforts to promote patient-friendly laws, policies and programmes.
The Forum also addresses the area on reducing stigma and discrimination and ensure social security of TB patients, survivors and their families.
Other objectives include improving awareness of government schemes, provisions and facilities available to TB patients, enhancing treatment literacy and adherence, and undertaking evidence-based advocacy with stakeholders to expand services.
Way forward
• Screen all vulnerable populations; Ensure comprehensive TB screening in high-risk villages, congregate and workplace settings
• Engage community to strengthen Jan Bhagidhari efforts for maximum participation
• Enable dialogue among stakeholders to address patients' needs, reduce stigma and improve access to quality care
• Facilitate nutritional support, linkages with welfare schemes & rehabilitation of TB patients
• Strengthen formation, Education and Communication (IEC) and engage TB champions
• Initiate TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) among eligible Household Contact (HHC) & other high-risk groups
• Review progress periodically & convene TB Forum meetings every six months
