Aizawl, Mizoram – In a quiet yet powerful gathering at the Raj Bhavan on Wednesday, Mizoram’s Governor Gen Vijay Kumar Singh delivered a clear message: if Mizoram is to become India’s first TB-free state, the clock is ticking and the entire community must act now.
The event, part of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, wasn’t just another routine programme. It was a call for urgency. A recognition ceremony honoured Nikshay Mitras, volunteers and donors providing food and care to TB patients, and food baskets were distributed as part of the state’s Food Basket Support initiative.
But beneath the surface celebrations was a deeper truth.
“India’s deadline to eliminate TB is 2025. We’ve got six months left. If we don’t act now, we fall short,”
said the Governor.
And he’s not wrong. While the state is making strides in TB treatment, free testing, free medicines, direct bank transfers for nutrition, there’s a glaring gap.
Out of 1,501 active TB patients in Mizoram, only 117 are receiving nutritional support. That’s just 7.8%.
Singh didn’t just point fingers. He led by example, personally pledging support for 10 TB patients, and urging churches, civil society groups, youth organisations, and ordinary citizens to take charge.
“If even one TB patient goes hungry, we’ve failed,” he said.
The Fight Against TB Isn’t Just Medical
Here’s the thing: beating TB isn’t only about drugs or hospital visits. Nutrition, mental health, and community care are just as critical. A well-fed patient recovers faster. A supported patient is more likely to stick to treatment. Without food security, the cycle of infection, weakness, and relapse continues.
That’s why the Nikshay Mitra model matters. It humanises the fight, turning patients from statistics into neighbours who need help.
What the Government Is Doing
State Health Minister Lalrinpuii outlined what’s already in place:
- ₹1,000 monthly nutrition aid transferred directly to patients
- Free TB testing and medication
- Partnerships with volunteers and organisations for on-ground support
But even with government efforts in full swing, Singh made it clear: the government can’t do this alone.
Why Mizoram Could Actually Pull This Off
Mizoram isn’t the biggest state, but it has something larger states often lack, tight-knit communities, strong local churches, and a culture of volunteerism. This social fabric could be the secret weapon.
If local leaders and citizens take ownership, by sponsoring patients, organising food drives, or simply spreading awareness, Mizoram can do what no other state has yet done: wipe out tuberculosis completely.
A Moment That Could Define a State
This isn’t about awards or milestones. It’s about lives. TB is still one of India’s biggest killers, especially among the poor. But it’s preventable. It’s curable. And it’s beatable, if the fight is shared.
The next six months will decide whether Mizoram’s ambition turns into reality.
The question now isn’t if Mizoram can be TB-free.
It’s how soon the people of Mizoram are ready to make it happen.
