16/10/2026
District Task Force Immunisation and District-Level Tuberculosis Forum Meeting Held at Gyalshing
16th October 2026
The District Task Force Immunisation-cum-District-Level Tuberculosis (TB) Forum meeting, organised by the District Hospital Gyalshing, was convened today at the Conference Hall of the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Gyalshing, to review the progress of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) and discuss key public health initiatives.
The meeting was chaired by the District Collector-cum-Chairperson, District-Level Tuberculosis Forum, Mr Tenzing D. Denzongpa.
At the outset, Additional Director-cum-Chief Medical Officer (CMO), District Hospital, Gyalshing, Dr Namgay Bhutia, delivered the welcome address and provided an overview of the programme. He emphasised the importance of inter-departmental coordination and the active involvement of all line departments in achieving the objectives of the programme.
Highlighting the Nikshay Mitra initiative, Dr Bhutia explained that it provides nutritional support to TB patients for a minimum period of six months, helping improve treatment outcomes and reduce the stigma associated with the disease. He acknowledged the continued support extended by the District Collector, Gyalshing, through a monthly contribution of ₹15,000 and encouraged greater participation from officers, community members and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). He also urged NGOs to intensify Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities to ensure wider community outreach.
Dr Aden Bhutia, DRCHO, Gyalshing District, briefed the participants on the District Task Force for Immunisation and presented 2nd quarter achievements under immunization. She also informed the house regarding upcoming usual events under RMNCHA+N division. She also provided an overview of the Maternal Death Review (MDR) process, though the district didn't have any maternal death in the reported quarter, she requested all the stakeholders for interdepartmental coordination to maintain this status in coming days.
District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO), Dr Suman Gurung, presented a comprehensive overview of the status and progress of TB control activities in the district under the NTEP. The presentation covered key performance indicators, including case detection, treatment success rates, TB notifications, contact tracing, community awareness initiatives and ongoing interventions aimed at achieving the national TB elimination targets.Dr Gurung stressed the need for stronger inter-departmental coordination and greater community participation to ensure early detection and successful treatment outcomes. He highlighted that TB elimination requires a multi-sectoral approach involving medical intervention, social support, awareness generation and coordinated action at all levels. He urged the departments concerned to intensify awareness campaigns, facilitate the timely identification of suspected cases and extend the necessary support to patients undergoing treatment.
Dr Shivani Tamang, District Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) Coordinator, addressed the convergence meeting under RBSK, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts in implementing child health initiatives.
Mr Passang Tamang, Deputy Director, Sikkim State AIDS Control Society (SACS), briefed the participants on the intensified IEC campaign on HIV, focusing on awareness generation, community mobilisation and IEC activities.
Ms Padma Chettri, District Quality Assurance Coordinator (DQAC), presented a review and updates on the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) through a PowerPoint presentation.
Addressing the meeting, District Collector Mr Tenzing D. Denzongpa underscored the importance of collective efforts by all line departments and stakeholders in achieving the national goal of TB elimination. He stressed that coordinated action among government departments, NGOs and community organisations is essential to reduce the burden of TB in the district.
To strengthen nutritional support for TB patients, the District Collector encouraged the officers present to make voluntary monthly contributions under the Nikshay Mitra initiative. In response, the officers expressed their willingness to extend monthly support towards the initiative.
Highlighting the progress achieved so far, Ms Pema Choden Bhutia, Project Coordinator of Ashray Foundation, stated that the initiative has conducted 224 screenings, 39 sputum tests and 97 CY-TB tests, with one positive result reported among the CY-TB tests.
She further stated that the project would prioritise high-risk villages that remain uncovered and are difficult to access. The team also aims to maximise the number of sputum and CY-TB tests conducted each month by the end of the project
An interactive session was also held, during which officials from various departments shared suggestions, raised queries and discussed challenges related to the implementation of TB elimination activities.
The meeting was attended by ADC(Devlopment) Mr Biswa Birendra Raj Gurung,CEO Education Mr Rajesh Thapa,BDO Gyalshing Mr Garap Bhutia,BDO Yaksum Mr Sanman Limboo,W/O Mr Pranay Subba,Medical Officers, Officals from various Department, representatives from SHIGA energy Pvt Limtd and my Bharat.
The meeting concluded with a renewed emphasis on inter-departmental convergence, community participation and sustained public awareness to strengthen healthcare delivery and advance the district’s efforts towards achieving full immunization, prevent maternal deaths, towards TB elimination, and HIV screening and testing through Intensified IEC campaign 3.0.
Vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs Bindiya Subedi (HEO)
