1.48 Lakh New Tuberculosis Cases Identified in First Month of TB-Free India Campaign Led by J P Nadda

Union Health Minister J P Nadda emphasised the importance of partnerships and national commitment in achieving a TB-Free India. He highlighted the 100-day campaign under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which aims to eliminate tuberculosis through collective efforts. This campaign showcases a unified strategy by engaging various stakeholders, as discussed in a meeting with 21 line ministries.

Nadda pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target to eradicate TB by 2025, ahead of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals deadline. The minister noted India's progress in this area, attributing it to the prime minister's vision and the health ministry's initiatives. India has seen a 17.7% reduction in TB cases, nearly double the global rate.

Progress and Achievements

The treatment coverage for TB in India has risen from 53% to 85%. Additionally, there has been a significant decline of 21.4% in TB-related deaths, dropping from 28 lakh to 22 lakh, according to a recent WHO report. Nadda expressed satisfaction with these achievements and stressed the need for continued efforts.

During the first 30 days of the campaign, over two crore individuals were screened, resulting in the identification of more than 1.48 lakh new TB cases. Nadda urged ministries to collaborate under a whole-of-government approach to meet the goal of eliminating TB by 2025.

Collaborative Efforts and Support

Union Sports and Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised the comprehensive strategy adopted for tackling TB elimination. He shared that the Labour Ministry is actively involved, with 156 Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospitals now screening for TB cases.

Mandaviya assured support from MyBharat volunteers to raise awareness about the campaign and encourage people to get screened for TB. This collaborative effort aims to mobilise communities across the nation.

Other ministers present at the meeting included Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, Union Minister of Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav, and Minister of State for Health and Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel. They all commended the intensified campaign's approach.

The meeting underscored the necessity of sustained partnerships and active participation from all sectors to achieve a TB-Free India. The ministers agreed on leveraging diverse strengths to tackle this public health challenge effectively.