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New Delhi, February 22, 2025: Since the launch of the 100-day Intensified TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan on December 7, 2024, by the Honourable Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, India has made significant strides in its fight against tuberculosis (TB). Over 5.1 lakh TB patients have been notified across the country, marking a substantial step towards the goal of TB elimination.
A Comprehensive Approach to TB Elimination
A major highlight of the campaign has been the introduction of X-ray screening as an early diagnostic tool, particularly for high-risk populations. Using ultraportable hand-held X-ray devices and an intensified door-to-door outreach, health officials have been able to identify TB cases even among asymptomatic individuals. Targeted groups for screening include diabetics, smokers, alcoholics, people living with HIV, past TB patients, geriatric populations, and household contacts of TB patients. Following initial X-ray screenings, cases are confirmed through Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT), leading to the early detection of numerous asymptomatic TB patients.
Remarkable Achievements So Far
The campaign has yielded impressive results:
- 3.57 lakh TB patients have been notified across 455 intervention districts.
- Over 10 crore vulnerable individuals have been screened, leading to faster case detection and reduced diagnostic delays.
- 2.4 lakh patients were notified from public health institutions, while 1.1 lakh cases were identified through private healthcare facilities.
- More than 10 lakh Ni-kshay Shivirs have been set up to provide modern TB diagnostic tools closer to people’s homes.
- 836 Ni-kshay Vahans have been deployed to extend TB services to remote areas.
- 38 lakh people have undergone chest X-ray screening, including many who exhibited no TB symptoms.
Government’s Multi-Sectoral Involvement
The success of the campaign has been bolstered by a “whole-of-government approach.” The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has engaged in high-level discussions with Chief Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, and senior officials from 22 ministries to ensure smooth coordination. Additionally, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare conducted a sensitization session attended by over 250 parliamentarians, reinforcing the importance of state-level involvement in the TB eradication mission.
Community Engagement Through Jan Bhagidari
The TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has placed a strong emphasis on community involvement. Through the Ni-kshay Shapath initiative, individuals, community leaders, NGOs, and corporations are being encouraged to become Ni-kshay Mitras, providing nutritional baskets, psychosocial support, and vocational assistance to TB patients. Since the campaign’s inception:
- 2.4 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras have registered.
- 2.3 lakh food baskets have been distributed to support TB patients.
India’s Progress in TB Control
In 2024, India notified over 26 lakh TB patients, significantly closing the gap between estimated and reported cases. Notably, 36% of TB case notifications came from the private sector, reflecting the success of sustained engagement with private healthcare providers.
Breaking the Chain of Transmission
The new strategy implemented under the 100-Day TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is playing a crucial role in identifying sub-clinical or asymptomatic TB cases, which are key contributors to transmission. By detecting and treating these cases early, the initiative is helping to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of TB. With these targeted efforts, India is accelerating progress towards its ambitious goal of eliminating TB.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on official reports from the Government of India and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The figures and statistics are subject to further verification and updates.
