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New Delhi, December 19: The Union Health Ministry convened a high-profile event today at the Balayogi Auditorium, Parliament Library, to sensitize Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on the 100-day Intensified TB Elimination Campaign. The initiative, which focuses on reducing the incidence and mortality of tuberculosis (TB) in India, saw the participation of approximately 250 MPs, who pledged their support to drive awareness and mobilize communities in their constituencies.
Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav and Smt. Anupriya Patel, led the discussions, emphasizing the critical role of MPs in achieving the government’s ambitious goal of eliminating TB.
A Call for Leadership in TB Elimination
The Ministers highlighted the significant strides India has made in reducing TB incidence and mortality, outpacing global trends. “India has achieved a remarkable decline in the TB mortality rate from 28% to 22%, alongside a 32% expansion in treatment coverage,” noted Smt. Patel. She attributed this success to innovative initiatives such as the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, expanded diagnostic facilities, and enhanced treatment capabilities under the National TB Elimination Programme.
Shri Prataprao Jadhav urged MPs to actively monitor the campaign in their constituencies and leverage their leadership to reduce stigma, promote awareness, and encourage community participation. He emphasized the role of Panchayats and TB champions in ensuring deeper penetration of screening services and grassroots-level mobilization. “This must become a Jan Andolan— a people’s movement,” he said.
Campaign Overview and Strategic Focus
The 100-day campaign targets 347 priority districts across the country with intensified efforts to detect and treat TB cases. Advanced screening and diagnostic technologies will be employed to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation. Additionally, the programme aims to expand access to differentiated TB care for high-risk patients and enhance nutritional support through the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana.
Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the campaign’s potential to significantly reduce the TB burden in India, citing recent successes like the WHO’s recognition of India’s progress in its Global TB Report. She also noted the boost to awareness provided by initiatives such as a friendly cricket match between the two houses of Parliament.
MPs’ Role in the Campaign
The MPs were urged to organize Ni-kshay Shivirs to monitor progress, honor TB champions and contributors, and collaborate with Panchayati Raj institutions to achieve TB-free Panchayat certification. The campaign also encourages MPs to mobilize communities to take Ni-kshay Shapaths and engage corporates, NGOs, and individuals as Ni-kshay Mitras.
Building on Success
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and DG, ICMR, and Dr. Atul Goel, Director General for Health Services, were also present to provide insights on research and service delivery enhancements in TB care.
As India advances toward its target of TB elimination by 2025, the involvement of MPs and community leaders will play a decisive role in turning this vision into reality.
