Tripura has taken a crucial step to improve healthcare and nutrition for tuberculosis patients. Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu inaugurated the Tripura food support for TB patients initiative under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’s Nikshay Mitra Campaign. The launch took place on October 25 at the Sukanta Academy Auditorium in Agartala.
The new initiative focuses on providing nutritional support to individuals battling tuberculosis. During his address, the Governor said that proper nutrition is vital for recovery. He added that this step shows the combined commitment of the central and state governments to make India tuberculosis-free.
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A step toward a TB-free Tripura
Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu stated that the Tripura food support for TB patients scheme ensures regular delivery of essential food items to patients. The goal is to help them stay strong and improve their immunity during treatment. The initiative also supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a TB-free India by 2025.
Under the scheme, registered TB patients will receive monthly food baskets with rice, pulses, oil, eggs, and other nutritional items. According to officials, these baskets will directly benefit patients undergoing treatment in both urban and rural areas. Several corporate groups, NGOs, and social organizations have joined the campaign to sponsor patients under the Nikshay Mitra model.
Health authorities shared that over 6,000 tuberculosis patients are currently receiving treatment in Tripura. With this initiative, the government aims to ensure that every patient receives both medical care and proper nutrition.
Governor urges public participation
During the event, Governor Nallu urged citizens and organizations to contribute actively to the campaign. He explained that the fight against tuberculosis cannot be won through government efforts alone. Public support and compassion are equally necessary. The Governor appealed to communities, NGOs, and private institutions to participate in the Tripura food support for TB patients programme through the Nikshay Mitra platform.
He also highlighted that social stigma still discourages many TB patients from seeking timely treatment. The new programme will help raise awareness and create empathy within society. “When people unite to support one another, diseases lose their strength,” he said.
Officials from the Health Department shared that all patients under the scheme will be monitored to ensure consistent food distribution. This approach will strengthen the overall mission to eliminate tuberculosis from the state.
Nutrition at the core of TB recovery
Medical experts at the event emphasized that tuberculosis severely weakens the immune system. Malnutrition worsens the condition and delays recovery. To address this, the Tripura food support for TB patients initiative provides energy-rich and protein-packed food items.
The state’s Director of Health Services explained that the food baskets were designed with expert advice. Each kit includes essential nutrients such as proteins, iron, and vitamins. These elements are necessary for building strength and speeding up recovery. Officials believe that a balanced diet can reduce relapse cases and improve treatment outcomes.
Governor Nallu also mentioned that the success of the programme will depend on proper coordination between officials, health workers, and volunteers. The Health Department has been instructed to keep detailed records of patients and food supplies to ensure transparency.
Strengthening the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
The Food Basket Distribution initiative is an integral part of the Tripura food support for TB patients mission under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. This national campaign aims to eliminate tuberculosis from India by 2025. The initiative builds on the concept of community engagement, encouraging citizens and organizations to “adopt” TB patients and support them with food and care.
In Tripura, the Nikshay Mitra Campaign has seen wide participation from government departments, corporate partners, and local groups. The Health Department now plans to expand its reach through Panchayati Raj institutions and self-help groups. This effort will make sure that patients in remote and tribal regions also receive nutritional support.
Governor Nallu praised these collaborations and described them as a model for other states. He said that the Tripura food support for TB patients initiative will strengthen both healthcare and social responsibility. “This programme proves that compassion and cooperation can transform lives,” he added.
A model of compassion and commitment
The launch concluded with Governor Nallu distributing the first set of food baskets to TB patients present at the event. Many beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the government’s support, saying that the nutritional kits would help them follow their treatment effectively.
The Governor reaffirmed that health is not only about medicine but also about empathy and awareness. He said that the Tripura food support for TB patients scheme reflects the state’s holistic approach to healthcare. By combining medical treatment with nutrition and social support, the initiative aims to make recovery faster and more sustainable.
He also encouraged volunteers and youth groups to spread awareness about tuberculosis prevention and early diagnosis. According to him, community-led awareness is the key to making Tripura a TB-free state.
As Tripura continues to progress toward a healthier future, the Food Basket Distribution programme stands out as an example of inclusive governance. It brings together compassion, nutrition, and responsibility under one mission. By aligning with the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Tripura has shown how health policies can be both humane and impactful.
Through consistent support, community involvement, and transparent implementation, the Tripura food support for TB patients initiative will help save lives and build hope. It reflects Tripura’s firm resolve to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against tuberculosis.
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