NAHARLAGUN, 23 Sep: From taking tuberculosis screening to villages near the international border to deploying doctors in underserved areas, Arunachal Pradesh has intensified efforts to close healthcare gaps, with the health department on Tuesday highlighting a string of measures in diagnostics, disease control and rural outreach.
The state has been recognised by the Centre for its performance under the 100-day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. Kurung Kumey figured among 365 high-priority districts selected nationally. Five Truenat machines, three handheld X-ray units and two Nikshay Vans have been deployed in the district, while health teams reached remote Kapu village near the international border for screening.
Between January and September this year, 78,129 vulnerable persons were screened for TB across Arunachal Pradesh and 13,436 X-rays were conducted. A total of 1,979 TB patients - 1,409 detected through government facilities and 570 through private facilities - are presently under treatment.
The department also reported a sharp turnaround in HIV/AIDS control, stating that the Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society rose from among the lower-performing states in 2023-24 to second position nationally. Around 2,600 people were living with HIV in the state as of April 2026.
At Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), a QR-based indoor navigation system, "Scan and Find," has been introduced to help patients locate OPDs, laboratories and diagnostic rooms without downloading an app. The concept was innovated by health and family welfare minister Biyuram Wahge. The initiative received recognition at the National Conference on Patient Safety 2026 at AIIMS Nagpur.
A statewide teleradiology network launched in June has connected 225 health facilities, enabling specialist reporting from TRIHMS and seeking to overcome the shortage of radiologists in the districts.
The government has also strengthened manpower, recruiting 38 allopathic GDMOs, six homeopathic GDMOs, seven dental surgeons and 72 specialists through the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission during 2025-26. Rural postings have been introduced for 144 MBBS and 44 nursing graduates to address shortages and revive non-functional primary health centres.
Free dialysis is currently available through 11 units covering 10 districts and TRIHMS, with three more districts set to be added. TRIHMS has meanwhile added 24 postgraduate MD-MS seats and expanded specialised procedures.
In a further push for remote healthcare, digital solar power systems are being installed at 393 facilities - 305 sub-centres and 88 PHCs - to ensure reliable electricity for medical equipment and vaccine and drug cold chains.
The state will hold its second Statewide Mega Health Mela on October 2. Last year's simultaneous camps across all districts drew 14,298 patients and delivered over 40,000 healthcare services. The same-day, statewide camp model was conceptualised by the health minister to take specialist care closer to the people in a single day. (OSD to Health Minister)
