4,500 TB patients undergoing treatment in state: Ampareen

SHILLONG, Jan 5: Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has revealed that around 4,500 active tuberculosis (TB) patients are currently undergoing treatment across Meghalaya.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, she said, “But this is a dynamic number that changes daily. Our treatment success rate is close to 87%, while the fatality rate stands at about 10-13%.”
The health minister also said Meghalaya is projected to have approximately 5,500 to 6,000 cases, as per estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Highlighting advancements, Lyngdoh said Meghalaya now has testing facilities for multi-drug-resistant (MDR) TB.
She pointed out that extra-pulmonary TB, which affects areas outside the lungs such as the spine, is more common among patients in state.
The health minister then referred to the launch of the 100-Day Campaign #NiKshayShivir 2024 and the Meghalaya Comprehensive TB Care Programme by the Health department with a budget of Rs 50-70 lakh.
Lyngdoh said the campaign is aimed at accelerating TB case detection, reducing mortality and preventing new cases through focused interventions in districts with the highest TB burden.
Activities under the campaign include sensitising elected representatives and religious groups, mobilising vulnerable populations, engaging community influencers and building awareness among local stakeholders.
“We are hoping that this campaign will impact positively towards the overall goal of reducing mortality and morbidity due to TB,” Lyngdoh said, adding that around 2,130 villages are being prepared for TB-free certification.