Agartala, Tripura Times, 15th March :- The Gomati district of Tripura witnessed a momentous occasion on Friday as District Magistrate & Collector, Tarit Kanti Chakma, inaugurated a ground breaking LED Van’s rolling out initiative. This unique initiative, a collaborative effort between the Gomati District Administration and the Gomati Health Administration under the National Health Mission, is set to revolutionize health and social awareness in the region, aiming to reach the remotest corners of the district, empowering residents with critical information.
The energetic and passionate leadership of Sri Chakma, known for inspiring his team synchronised with the positive approach of Dr. Kamal Reang CMO Gomati & his energetic team of officers and managers was palpable as the van embarked on its journey. This first-of-its-kind initiative in Tripura in this year aims to reach the most remote corners of the district, covering all eight blocks and 165 villages.
While speaking to the Press, the DM underscored the importance of this initiative, highlighting as "This LED Van is more than just a vehicle; it's a beacon of hope, a mobile platform for education and empowerment focusing on at least 20 nos of subjects of health & social matters including the addressing of the Chief Minister for TB Mukh Bharat. we can empower individuals to make informed choices and lead healthier lives. Through engaging visual displays and informative sessions, it will reach the remotest corners of the district like Ghorakappa and Kaptali," he stated during the inauguration at the Panchayat Raj Training Institute complex. He added that we had already informed police, subdivisional, block administrations and other depts to monitor and extend their support to make it success.
The van's itinerary will embark on a comprehensive tour across all eight blocks and 165 villages within the district, focusing on combating the rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). A core message is food safety, crucial in preventing heart diseases, cancer, strokes, kidney diseases, and liver diseases, all of which are showing an upward trend in Tripura. One of the most pressing concerns addressed is the state's high salt consumption, averaging over 13.14 grams per day, the highest in the country, significantly contributing to cardiovascular diseases. The LED Van will actively promote salt reduction strategies, aiming to curb this trend.
Beyond NCDs, the initiative tackles crucial social issues. Menstrual hygiene, the promotion of sanitary napkins, and the debunking harmful superstitions are central to the campaign. The van will also raise awareness about the detrimental effects of early marriage and teenage pregnancies for mothers, children and their family members, alongside the benefits of available family planning methods. The van will also raise awareness about the prevention and free treatment of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, and promote the "TB Mukt Panchayat" initiative emphasising on the importance of immunization particularly in tribal areas and highlight the severe health risks associated with tobacco use.
The LED Van will also serve as a platform to promote government schemes like the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana and whatabout the ABHA Cards under digital health mission, ensuring that citizens are aware of and can access essential healthcare services. This initiative promises to bring about a significant positive change in the health and social landscape of Gomati District, paving the way for a healthier and more informed lives of community. During rolling of LED Van, Dr. Arjun Saha DFWO, Dr. Saumik Chakraborty, Dist TB Officer and Ranamoy Deb were present in the programme. Informative leaflets will be distributed during the campaign, reinforcing the key messages delivered through the van's LED screen.