In a significant push towards eradicating tuberculosis (TB), Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched a 100-day intensified nationwide campaign in Panchkula, Haryana. The campaign aims to identify and treat TB patients in 347 of the most affected districts across the country, with a focus on early detection and reducing TB-related mortality.
Addressing the gathering, Nadda underlined the government’s commitment to achieving a TB-free India, emphasising that the campaign aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of eliminating TB well ahead of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal deadline. “This focused 100-day initiative will bring renewed momentum to our efforts to detect and treat TB cases swiftly, particularly among high-risk groups,” he stated.
Nadda reflected on India’s longstanding struggle with TB, recalling a time when it was known as a “slow death,” leading to stigma and isolation for patients. He credited the current administration’s proactive measures, including decentralised TB services through 1.7 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, for transforming the fight against the disease.
The Health Minister detailed significant progress in the battle against TB, citing advancements such as the introduction of a daily regimen for drug-sensitive TB and shorter, more effective treatments, which have increased the success rate to 87%. He also highlighted the government’s financial support for TB patients, noting that Rs 3,338 crores have been disbursed through the Ni-kshay programme to over 1.17 crore beneficiaries. The monthly nutritional support under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana has recently doubled from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.
The government has also mandated that private healthcare providers report new TB cases, leading to an eightfold increase in TB notifications from the private sector. As a result, the TB incidence rate has dropped by 17.7% since 2015—well above the global average—and TB-related deaths have decreased by 21.4% over the past decade.
Nadda also launched the national guidelines for BPaLM, a new treatment regimen for drug-resistant TB, and introduced mobile diagnostic units, “Ni-kshay Vahaan,” to enhance accessibility to TB care, particularly in remote areas.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed pride in hosting the campaign’s launch and affirmed the state’s commitment to supporting TB elimination efforts. He highlighted India’s success in leveraging campaigns like Jan Bhagidari, Fit India, and Khelo India to address TB. Saini also stressed the importance of the government’s “4T” approach—Test, Track, Treat, and Technology—in strengthening the fight against the disease.
Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure a steady supply of medicines and consumables while urging active participation from civil society to make the campaign successful.
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The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) has adopted a stratified approach for the campaign, focusing on districts with higher TB mortality, lower presumptive examination rates, and incidence rates above the national average. The initiative includes deploying AI-enabled portable X-ray units and advanced molecular diagnostic tools to enhance early detection.
High-risk populations, including asymptomatic individuals, will undergo screening. Additionally, the campaign seeks to expand access to nutritional support and specialised care through initiatives like Differentiated TB Care. Leveraging the reach of Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs, the campaign will decentralise TB services, ensuring quality care at the community level.
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