Silchar: Cachar district marked a major step in the fight against tuberculosis with a day-long campaign that combined food support, patient adoption, and public resolve to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a TB-free India by 2025.

Across seven Assembly constituencies, 700 nutritional food packets were distributed to identified TB patients at 16 locations. In Silchar, the drive took place at Gandhi Bhaban and Teachers’ Training College.

Other centres included Dholai Hospital, Barjalenga and Narsingpur MPHCs, Udharbond PHC, Tikol Model Hospital, Arkattipur Senior Basic School, Katigorah Model Hospital, Sadbhavna Bhavan in Kalain, Phulertol Community Hall in Lakhipur, marriage halls in Sonai, and the Borkhola Block Development office.

The initiative, organised by the Cachar district administration and health department, drew wide participation from leaders and officials. Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty, MP Parimal Suklabaidya, MLAs Nihar Ranjan Das and Mihir Kanti Shom, District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, ADC (Health) Dr. Khaleda Sultana Ahmed, and ZPC member Kankan Narayan Sikidar personally handed over food packets, reinforcing the government’s commitment to grassroots outreach.

In Silchar, the day also saw a tribute to the late singer Zubeen Garg before the launch of the Nikshay Mitra programme. Under this initiative, 100 TB patients were adopted by 100 Nikshay Mitras, including MLA Dipayan Chakraborty.

Patients received food baskets and pledged support to ensure nutrition and treatment adherence remain central to TB care.

Speaking at Gandhi Bhaban, Chakraborty called the programme “a lifeline of dignity and hope” for patients. “When a patient feels supported, treatment success rates rise. Our mission is that no one in Silchar fights TB alone,” he said, urging Cachar to lead Assam in fulfilling the Prime Minister’s goal of a TB-free India.

He further announced a Mega Health Camp for children under 18 to be held on September 23 at Assam Palace. The camp will provide free diagnosis and treatment for over 50 serious illnesses, including congenital heart disease and leukemia. “Every child in Silchar and Cachar matters, regardless of background,” he said to wide applause.

Earlier, Joint Director of Health Dr. Shibananda Roy explained that Nikshay Mitras will extend six months of nutritional support and regular guidance. District TB Officer Dr. Sharmin Ahmed, Dr. Apratim Nag, and several community leaders also underlined the importance of shared responsibility in eradicating TB.

The twin efforts—localised food distribution and the adoption of patients in Silchar—were hailed as a model of government and community working hand in hand. Leaders stressed that only such sustained campaigns can bring India closer to eliminating tuberculosis.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally