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New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry’s ambitious 100-day intensified campaign, TB Mukt Bharat, has successfully screened 5.63 crore vulnerable individuals and notified 1.59 lakh new tuberculosis (TB) patients across 347 districts, Union Health Minister JP Nadda informed Parliament on Friday.
The campaign, which commenced on December 7, 2024, and will continue until March 24, 2025, aims to eliminate TB in India five years ahead of the global target. It focuses on 347 high-priority districts spanning 33 states and union territories (UTs).
Campaign Achievements
Nadda, in a written response in the Lok Sabha, highlighted the key milestones of the initiative. “Since the launch of the 100-day intensified TB elimination campaign in 347 districts, 4.94 lakh Ni-kshay Shivirs (screening camps) have been organized, leading to the screening of 5.63 crore vulnerable individuals and notification of 1.59 lakh new TB cases,” he stated.
Additionally, the campaign has seen the registration of 86,748 new Ni-kshay Mitras and the distribution of 1.12 lakh food baskets to TB patients and their families. Ni-kshay Mitras include individuals, NGOs, cooperative societies, faith-based organizations, corporates, political parties, and others. They voluntarily adopt TB patients undergoing treatment for at least six months to provide necessary support.
Special Focus Areas
Among the districts covered, 38 are tribal areas, 27 are mining regions, and 46 are aspirational districts. “The campaign follows a renewed approach to finding missing TB cases, reducing TB deaths, and preventing new infections,” Nadda emphasized.
To enhance early detection, the government has deployed mobile medical vans and established outreach camps offering X-ray and Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) facilities. The decentralization of TB-related services to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs has further improved access to treatment.
Public Awareness and Participation
The campaign has developed and disseminated educational materials to spread awareness about TB symptoms, prevention, and the importance of timely treatment. These efforts extend across various states, including Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Community engagement is a key pillar of the initiative, with Jan Bhaghidari activities involving schools, Panchayati Raj institutions, self-help groups, Anganwadi centers, NGOs, and civil society organizations. Furthermore, 22 government departments have been sensitized to actively support the campaign’s execution.
Political and Administrative Involvement
To ensure sustained momentum, the Union Health Ministry has engaged Members of Parliament (MPs), Chief Ministers (CMs), and state health ministers in discussions on the campaign. “The 100 Days TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan aligns with our long-term TB elimination strategies focused on prevention, early detection, prompt treatment, and reducing TB-related mortality,” Nadda affirmed.
Long-term measures for TB eradication include mapping vulnerable populations, leveraging high-sensitivity diagnostic tools such as chest X-rays, implementing upfront NAAT testing for suspected cases, and offering differentiated care for high-risk TB patients.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on official statements from the Union Health Ministry. Readers are encouraged to refer to government sources for the latest updates and consult healthcare professionals for medical guidance.
