Guwahati, March 21: The Laitkor Sub-Center Health and Wellness Center has been recognized as a Mercury-Free Center, marking a significant step in Meghalaya’s commitment to safer healthcare practices. This recognition underscores the state’s efforts to phase out mercury-based medical equipment, ensuring a safer environment for patients and healthcare workers.
Mercury, a highly toxic heavy metal, has long been used in medical devices such as thermometers and sphygmomanometers (blood pressure monitors). However, exposure to mercury poses serious health risks, including neurological damage and kidney disorders, and improper disposal can lead to environmental contamination. The recognition of Laitkor Sub-Center as a Mercury-Free Center highlights the state’s commitment to adopting safer, digital alternatives in medical diagnostics and treatment.
A National Media Team from Delhi, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), recently visited the Laitkor Sub-Center to assess grassroots-level healthcare services and review progress in tuberculosis (TB) detection under the ongoing 100-day TB elimination campaign.
During the visit, Ramkumar S., Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) Meghalaya, emphasized the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to TB elimination, particularly through improved nutrition and diagnostics. He noted that the introduction of TrueNAT machines across Meghalaya has significantly improved early TB detection and increased testing capacity. Furthermore, initiatives like PM Nikshay Mitras have provided essential support to TB patients. The state government has introduced comprehensive TB care kits, focusing on nutrition and ensuring better patient recovery. Additionally, TB survivors benefit from skill development programs aimed at their reintegration into society.
Highlighting the state’s progress, Ramkumar S. shared that TB occurrences have already declined, with 10% of Meghalaya’s total villages now declared TB-free. The state remains committed to furthering these efforts through continuous healthcare interventions.
Innovative diagnostic approaches are central to Meghalaya’s TB elimination strategy. The deployment of portable diagnostic tools, including handheld sputum transformation devices and handheld X-ray machines, has significantly improved access to early detection and treatment, particularly in remote villages. Dr B. Shanpru, District TB Officer, and Dr R. Kharmih, Medical Officer for TB Control, underscored the campaign’s ongoing impact beyond the initial 100 days, ensuring sustained intervention and broader coverage.
Meban Kharkongor, State Coordinator for HLL Hindustan Lifecare Limited-Handheld X-Ray, explained how portable diagnostic devices have enhanced TB detection and treatment accessibility, particularly in remote areas such as Bijasik Warinandal (East Garo Hills), Bone Megapre (Williamnagar), Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Mawkriah, and Nongspung B (Ri Bhoi).
Deputy Commissioner Ri-Bhoi, Abhilash Baranwal, highlighted Meghalaya’s proactive approach following the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s call for TB elimination by 2025. He informed that nearly 10 per cent of the hamlets in the district have not reported a single TB case in the past year.
The delegation also visited Reid Provincial Chest Hospital in Shillong, where they observed the distribution of nutritional food support for TB patients, a vital component of the state government’s comprehensive TB care initiative. The program aims to enhance recovery rates by addressing the nutritional needs of TB patients.
To combat stigma and raise awareness, the team engaged with TB Champions Requeststar Kurbah and Ridalin Shullai, who shared their personal journeys of overcoming the disease. They also interacted with designated TB social influencers to understand community engagement strategies for TB awareness.
The 100-day TB elimination campaign forms a key part of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) under the National Health Mission (NHM). Supporting the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB elimination (2017–2025), the campaign targets 347 districts across 33 states and union territories. It aims to strengthen diagnostic and treatment services, reduce diagnostic delays, and improve treatment outcomes, particularly for high-risk populations. These efforts align with India’s overarching goal of achieving a TB-free nation.
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