CM launches MSSSKA 8.0, aims for 100% success, TB-Free Tripura

Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Friday said that the ‘Mukhyamantri Sustha Shaishab and Sustho Koishor Abhiyan’ (MSSSKA) will achieve 100% success this time as well, and that the state government has undertaken various programs to make Tripura TB-free.

He said that the state government is trying to further improve the health sector in Tripura.

Dr Saha said this while inaugurating the state-wide Mukhyamantri Sustha Shaishab and Sustho Koishor Abhiyan (MSSSKA) 8.0 organized at Teliamura Town Hall on Friday.

This program is organized every year through the joint initiative of the Health and Family Welfare Department, School Education Department, and the Social Welfare and Social Education Department.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Saha said that the MSSSKA campaign has been initiated by the state government on its own.

“This campaign has been started to raise children and adolescents in the society in a healthy and beautiful way and to properly develop their health and nutrition. This program aims to protect against worm infection, eliminate vitamin deficiency, and address deficiencies related to diarrhea and iron. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given special importance to the physical and mental development of children. And if that is achieved, India will truly develop,” he said.

In his speech, the Chief Minister said that many children suffer from malnutrition and anemia.

“Therefore, today’s program has been organized for their overall development. The MSSSK campaign covers children from birth to 19 years of age. This time, 10,59,182 children and adolescents have been targeted. The campaign will continue from today, i.e., October 24, to October 30. Keeping this campaign in mind, initiatives have been taken to conduct health awareness programs in various places. Under this campaign, iron and folic acid supplementation will be provided to people aged six months to 19 years. Many children are prone to breathing difficulties, and symptoms such as diarrhea and fever also occur. This campaign has been organized to identify these issues in a timely manner,” said Dr. Saha.

The Chief Minister also said that the campaign emphasizes the mental health of children, cleanliness, and anti-drug and anti-smoking activities.

“The government is conducting an anti-drug campaign across Tripura. Police and other security agencies are constantly taking action against drug dealers. In addition, tea gardens, brick kilns, slum areas, orphanages, and private educational institutions will also be given special attention under this campaign,” Dr Saha said.

Dr Saha, who is also the Health Minister, mentioned that HIV is now a matter of concern for Tripura.

“So, I would like to tell everyone that this issue needs deeper consideration. The public needs to be made more aware about HIV. In this regard, the practice of taking drugs through syringes must be stopped,” he added.

Chief Whip of the Tripura Legislative Assembly Kalyani Saha Roy, Secretary of the Health Department Kiran Gitte, Additional District Magistrate of Khowai District Abhijit Chakraborty, Director of the Health Department Dr. Tapan Majumdar, along with other elected representatives and administrative officials, were present as distinguished guests at the event.