Chhattisgarh Governor Becomes First in India to Adopt 330 Tuberculosis Patients, Boosts National TB Eradication Efforts

Raipur, August 23, 2025 — In a pioneering public health initiative, Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka has adopted 330 tuberculosis (TB) patients undergoing treatment across all 33 districts of the state by becoming a “Nikshay Mitra” — a friend and supporter to TB patients under the National Tuberculosis Eradication Programme (NTEP). This unprecedented move aims to accelerate progress towards India’s goal of becoming TB-free, a campaign spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Since taking office as the 10th governor of Chhattisgarh on July 31, 2024, Governor Deka has actively embraced the fight against TB, which remains a major public health challenge in India, home to the world’s highest TB burden. By providing a monthly grant of Rs 500 through chief medical and health officers in each district, Deka ensures that TB patients receive nutritious meals crucial for effective treatment and recovery. This initiative follows evidence showing that good nutrition significantly improves treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of treatment failure and relapse in TB care.

The governor initially adopted TB patients in four districts—Rajnandgaon, Bastar, Dhamtari, and Gariaband—and after completing a year in office, expanded the support to all remaining districts, becoming the first governor in India to take such a state-wide personal role. Each district has at least 10 patients being supported under this program, amounting to 330 individuals.

Governor Deka has also actively engaged with the community and stakeholders, holding review meetings on TB campaign progress and directly communicating with patients. His efforts emphasize two critical pillars of successful TB management: regular adherence to medication and maintaining a nutritious diet. These factors are essential in combating the disease, which according to the World Health Organization (WHO), requires comprehensive care beyond just pharmacological treatment.

Moreover, Governor Deka has called upon industrialists, social organizations, the Rice Mill Association, and the general public to join as “Nikshay Mitras,” encouraging wider community involvement in TB eradication. His leadership underscores the collective responsibility necessary to achieve the national and global targets set by the WHO’s End TB Strategy.

Tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally, with over 10 million new cases and 1.4 million deaths reported worldwide in 2023, according to WHO data. India accounts for nearly 28% of the global TB burden, making it critical to augment public health initiatives with community-driven support programs like the “Nikshay Mitra” system.

Experts note that such personalized attention to TB patients can significantly impact adherence to prolonged treatment regimens, mitigating the risks associated with drug resistance. Dr. Anil Sharma, a TB specialist not involved in the initiative, highlights, “Regular follow-up and nutritional support are key determinants of TB treatment success. Governor Deka’s adoption of patients sets a remarkable example of leadership-driven health advocacy.”

However, while this initiative is a promising step, challenges remain. Social stigma, diagnostic delays, and access to healthcare continue to hinder TB control efforts. Furthermore, the relatively small financial aid may need to be supplemented by broader social welfare programs to address the holistic needs of patients beyond meals.

In practical terms for the public, this program demonstrates that improving TB outcomes requires more than just medication; it needs comprehensive nutritional and psychosocial support coupled with sustained community involvement. Health-conscious readers should recognize that awareness and reduction of stigma greatly support affected individuals’ treatment journeys.

In conclusion, Governor Ramen Deka’s “Nikshay Mitra” campaign in Chhattisgarh exemplifies an innovative, community-focused approach to TB control. It offers a model other states and regions could emulate to meet India’s ambitious goal of a TB-free nation by 2025.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.

References:

• PTI, “Chhattisgarh guv becomes ‘Nikshay Mitra’ adopts 330 TB patients,” The Week, August 23, 2025.