* Dr. R Lalthangliana, Hon’ble Health Minister 

* Principal Secretary & officials from the Health Department 

* Leaders of NGOs and invitees

          We have gathered here today because of a very important issue. On 9^th September, the Hon’ble President of India launched the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which seeks to eradicate TB disease throughout the country.

           According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, all nations have set the goal of eradicating TB by the year 2030. However, the Government of India has set the target of eradicating TB by the year 2025. Because of this, massive co-operation between all stakeholders is required, and we need to make this campaign a mass movement. It is extremely important that the Government, NGOs, religious bodies, and individuals come together to make this mission a success.

           TB causes the largest number of deaths amongst infectious diseases in our country. Although our country has a little less than 20 percent of the world's population, more than 25 percent of the total TB patients of the world are in India. And unfortunately, most of the people affected by TB come from the poorer section of society.

           Our great Nation has time and again shown great resilience, as was evident from the way we eradicated polio. Now, we have another task on our hand, which I am certain we can achieve if we all work together.

           I request all the stakeholders to create mass awareness. People must know that prevention of TB disease is possible, and that its treatment is effective and accessible. We must take great care that those suffering from the disease are not discriminated against.

           Under this initiative, all partners including co-operative societies, corporate, elected representatives, NGOs, public and private institutions, political parties and individuals, are encouraged to adopt TB patients through an online platform called Nikshay. In Mizoram, we have 1344 patients who are currently on TB treatment. As the Head of the State, I wish to lead by example and I announce that I shall be supporting 20 TB patients through this Nikshay Mitra programme.

           As of now, only 22 from Mizoram have registered to adopt and donate under the Nikshay platform. Therefore, I urge all the people of the State, including the elected leaders, NGOs, religious bodies, public and private bodies, and individuals to come forward and adopt TB patients through Nikshay Mitra. No contribution is too big or too small. As we all know, little drops of water make up the mighty ocean. Likewise, our collective efforts will go a long way in eradicating TB disease from our country.

           Once again, I strongly urge all the stakeholders, especially those who have gathered here, to spread awareness for the success of the programme, and to generously donate and adopt TB patients.

           With these few words, I declare the State-wide adoption of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat  Abhiyan.

          Thank you.

           Jai Hind.