By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) has set a target to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) from its jurisdiction by 2028, aligning itself with India’s national goal of ending the disease by 2030 under the government’s tuberculosis elimination drive.
As part of the initiative, an awareness programme was held on Monday at Bodosa Club in Shashtapur village under the 27 No. Boko Council Constituency. The event was organised in support of the Prime Minister’s Tuberculosis Free Campaign and focused on improving awareness, ensuring treatment compliance and strengthening nutritional support for patients. Health officials, council representatives, TB patients and local residents participated in the programme.
Around 30 patients registered under the Boko TB Unit attended the session. During the event, nutritional kits containing rice, lentils, mustard oil and soybeans were distributed to aid patient recovery and improve immunity.
Among those present were RHAC Chairman Sonaram Rabha, executive members Arjun Chetry, Sumit Rabha and Prabodh Kalita, as well as Bodo-Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council executive member Dasharath Boro. Health department officials included Sub-Divisional Medical and Health Officer of Boko BPHC Dr. Dhruba Baruah and Senior Tuberculosis Treatment Supervisor Dhrubajyoti Medhi, along with other dignitaries and community members.
RHAC executive member Sumit Rabha stated that this was the first instance of such nutritional distribution in the Boko constituency, adding that similar support initiatives would soon be extended to the Pantan area under Chaygaon.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Dhruba Baruah informed that free medicines are being provided under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) at Boko Block Primary Health Centre. He shared that 230 TB cases were recorded in 2025, while 79 cases have been reported so far in 2026. At present, 112 patients are undergoing DOTS treatment and 197 patients recovered successfully in 2025.
Senior TB Treatment Supervisor Dhrubajyoti Medhi described the programme as an important step toward strengthening community-based intervention in TB care. He noted that similar nutrition support drives were earlier conducted in Bandapara and urged continued vigilance, stressing that tuberculosis spreads through bacterial infection and requires consistent treatment.
Sumit Rabha also highlighted that TB, once widely considered difficult to cure, is now largely treatable with modern medical advances. He additionally expressed concern over the rising incidence of cancer in the Boko region and said that screening initiatives are being carried out nationwide to support early detection and treatment.
RHAC health executive member Prabodh Kalita reiterated that the council’s 2028 elimination target reflects its commitment to accelerating public health interventions ahead of the national deadline. He added that RHAC will continue expanding awareness drives and nutritional assistance programmes to strengthen TB control efforts across the region.