Newmai News Network Imphal | December 3 Chief Minister, Biren Singh stressed on the need to change the pattern of imparting awareness on prevention and treatment of tuberculosis (TB). He stated this while inaugurating the State TB Hospital constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 8.74 crore by Manipur Police Housing Corporation (MPHC) at Keirao Wangkhem in Imphal East district today. Stating that the only way to control TB is to create effective mass awareness, Biren said that controlling the disease is the collective responsibility of each and every member of the society. Local clubs in valley districts and Churches in hill districts may extend great help to the Government in spreading awareness of the disease to public, he opined. Regarding developmental initiatives taken up by the new government, Chief Minister said that the main deterrence to effective execution of developmental works is the practice of distributing work programmes among Ministers and MLAs. Observing that every Government should be able to address the basic necessities of its people, Chief Minister said that the government has a strong commitment to rehabilitate poor and helpless people. Efforts are also being put in to provide safe drinking water to every household of Manipur by 2022, Singh said and urged the public to extend co-operation to the Government in making Manipur self sufficient in fish, food and vegetable productions. He further asserted not to extend support and co-operation to any type of bandh/blockades which largely affects the State economy. Health and Family Welfare Minister, Jayantakumar said that to achieve the vision of Prime Minister to eradicate TB by 2025, we need strong support from the public. Construction of the State TB Hospital began from 2010 after the project was approved by the Central Government approved sanctioning of Rs. 5 crore under Special Plan Assistance (SPA) during 2008-2009 financial year while the State share of the project was Rs. 3.74 crore. The State TB Hospital was earlier located in Chingmeirong and shifted to the current location in 2015. The hospital currently has 62 staff including seven doctors and a Superintendent.