Over 5.1 Lakh TB Notifications Since Launch
Since the launch of the 100-day Intensified TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan on December 7, 2024, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda announced that more than 5.1 lakh TB notifications have been recorded across India. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shared this update on Saturday, highlighting the campaign’s rapid progress.
Innovative Strategy for Early TB Detection
As reported by economictimes, the campaign introduced a new strategy to identify TB cases early by using X-rays as a screening tool for high-risk populations. With ultraportable hand-held X-rays and intensified door-to-door outreach in congregate settings, health workers screened high-risk groups such as diabetics, smokers, alcoholics, people living with HIV, past TB patients, the elderly, and household contacts of TB patients. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals underwent X-ray screening, with Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) confirming positive cases.
Rapid Progress in TB Notifications and Screenings
The campaign has achieved remarkable results. Over 3.5 lakh TB patients have been notified across 455 intervention districts. More than 10 crore vulnerable individuals have undergone screening, improving case detection, reducing diagnostic delays, and enhancing treatment outcomes.
Public health institutions reported 2.4 lakh cases, while private healthcare facilities identified 1.1 lakh cases. The initiative also organized over 10 lakh Ni-kshay Shivirs and deployed 836 Ni-kshay Vahans to expand TB service access, even in remote areas. Additionally, over 38 lakh people, including asymptomatic individuals, were screened using chest X-rays.
Strengthening TB Treatment and Care
The campaign prioritizes complete TB treatment, differentiated care, and support for undernourished TB patients. It also focuses on hospital admissions for critical cases and preventive TB treatment for vulnerable populations.
Government’s Unified Approach to TB Eradication
The campaign’s success stems from a “whole-of-government approach.” Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has chaired meetings with Chief Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, and senior officials from 22 ministries to ensure seamless coordination. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also organized sensitization sessions attended by over 250 parliamentarians to encourage state and district-level involvement.
To ensure effective implementation, Chief Ministers across states are closely monitoring progress. The management has assigned high-level administrative officers to oversee activities across multiple departments.
Community Engagement Through Ni-kshay Shapaths
The campaign emphasizes active community participation through the Jan Bhagidaari approach. Individuals, community leaders, NGOs, and corporates are encouraged to become Ni-kshay Mitras by providing TB patients with nutritional baskets, psychosocial support, and vocational assistance. Since the campaign’s launch, over 2.4 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras have registered, and more than 2.3 lakh food baskets have been distributed.
India’s Commitment to Ending TB
India continues to demonstrate its commitment to TB elimination. In 2024, the country reported over 26 lakh TB notifications, narrowing the gap between estimated incidence and actual reported cases. Notably, 36% of notifications came from the private sector. This highlights the success of progressive policy changes and innovative interventions over the past decade.
Impact of the 100-Day TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
The new strategy under the 100-Day TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is actively identifying sub-clinical or asymptomatic TB cases. This effort significantly contributes to TB elimination. This approach disrupts transmission chains, reduces incidence, and lowers mortality through early detection and treatment. The campaign is accelerating India’s progress toward achieving its goal of eliminating TB.