Mangan, March 25 (IPR): The District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC) organised the World TB Day 2025 at Mangan today. The event, held under the theme “Yes, We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” aimed to raise awareness about Tuberculosis (TB) and promote global action towards its elimination and eradication. It may be recalled that today’s programme was the culmination of a week-long campaign as a part of World TB Day 2025. Various events like marathon, painting and bike rally were organised to raise adequate awareness about TB.
The programme was graced by ADC Mangan Mr Pema Wangchen Namkarpa as the chief guest. Also present were CMO, District Hospital Mangan, Dr. Tempo T Kaleon, senior doctors and officers from the medical fraternity, Panchayat members, Lachen Pipon Mr Cho Bandu, district officers, principals and teachers of participating schools, Director, North Sikkim Academy, members of NGOs and other organisations, and students from surrounding schools.
At the outset, Dr. Dawa Dolma Bhutia, District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO), gave a speech on the significance of World TB Day and provided insights into the progress of TB prevention and care in the district in the last one year. She shared information about the increased incentives under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana for TB patients, which had been raised from ₹500 to ₹1,000 per month. Dr. Bhutia also discussed the achievements of DTC Mangan, including the survey conducted in 14 GPUs where three GPUs—Menrongong, Lingthem Lingdem, and Tingvong—qualified for the Silver award, and seven GPUs namely Lingchom Tingda, Rongong Tumlong, Sakyong Pentong, Lingdong Barfok, Lachen, Sipgyer, and Passingdong earned the TB-Free status (Bronze). She thanked the DTC Mangan, NGOs, and the public for their continued support. She shared that the awards were presented to DTC Mangan on the occasion of the state level World TB Day programme held in Gangtok on 24th March, 2025. She attributed the success to everyone involved in the relentless fight against TB in Mangan district.
Speaking on the occasion, ADC Mangan Mr Pema Wangchen Namkarpa lauded the District TB Centre, Mangan, stakeholders and concerned panchayats for bagging the silver and bronze awards at the State level World TD Day programme and said that the award was a result of the dedication and commitment of the health workers and partner agencies as well as community involvement to fight the disease.
He further added that the efforts made by Mangan district towards TB Elimination justified this year’s theme for World TB Day - “Yes, We Can End TB: Commit, Invest and Deliver”. Mr Namkarpa also touched upon the need to further address issues like social stigma through adequate awareness and sensitisation at every level. He called for collective effort from all quarters to encourage health seeking behaviour among the people. He also requested the Panchayats and pipons to accommodate issues such as TB in forums like the gram sabha.
The ADC also lauded the inspiring role played by the TB Champions and Nikshay Mitras in addressing stigma, fear and misinformation regarding TB.
Earlier, CMO, District Hospital Mangan, Dr. Tempo T Kaleon welcomed the gathering and spoke about the ongoing battle against TB within the district. He emphasised that the fight to eliminate TB is a collective responsibility. He thanked frontline health workers, ASHA workers, TB champions, NGOs, and the public for their active participation in spreading awareness. Dr. Kaleon urged students and the public to report any suspected cases of TB to the DTC, emphasizing the availability of free medicines, nutritious food, and financial incentives for TB patients. He encouraged everyone to engage in community activities for early detection and to promote the message that TB is a curable disease. He concluded his speech with the slogan, “Yes, We Can End TB.”
The event also saw the distribution of certificates to students who participated in the World TB Day competitions and awards to the GPUs and NGOs for their unwavering support.
TB Champions Mr Bal Bahadur Rai and Mr Gyatso Lepcha shared their personal stories of overcoming TB, pledging to continue their efforts in raising awareness in the community.
The program also featured a presentation on snake bites by MD Medicine Dr. Tshering Choden Bhutia.
Earlier, the program began with the welcome address by District Programme Coordinator, TB, Dr. Dipendra Dhakal.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Senior Lab Technician, DTC, Mr Prashant Chettri.