India enhances TB eradication campaign across the country
The Union Health Minister announced that the expansion of tuberculosis eradication program is not nationwide. He shared that RT -PCR machines, originally used during Kovid -19, are now adapted to TB screening.
India is expanding tuberculosis eradication campaign. Union Health Minister JP Nadda made the announcement at the World TB Day 2025 Summit, praising the impact of the 100-day rapid TB eradication campaign.
He revealed that mobile screening units, including handheld X-ray machines and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), help in bringing essential TB services in remote and underscore areas.
Some of the major achievements of the campaign include:
- More than 13.46 lakh Nikasha Shivar (community TB screening and awareness camp) was organized.
- TB treatment coverage increased from 59% to 85%.
- 12.97 crore people did the screening, which revealed 7.19 lakh new cases.
- 2.85 lakh tangible TB cases were identified which may be undetermined.
- 5,000 MLAs and 10,000 gram panchayats actively participated in the campaign.
NADDA announced a plan to expand the initiative in all districts, ensuring that no patient is untreated.
The campaign received widespread support from various fields: 22 ministries joined hands to support the initiative.
More than 30,000 elected representatives participated in awareness and prevention efforts.
In 100 days, the Health Minister announced that 1,05,181 new nickels registered 3,06,368 food baskets to TB patients and their families.
“TB is not over yet, but our collective efforts are creating a real difference. The participation of MPs, MLAs, village heads and local leaders has created a strong sense of community ownership in this fight,” said Nadda.
He said that India is one of the largest global investors in TB research. He shared that RT -PCR machines, originally used during Kovid -19, are now adapted to TB screening.
Indigenous diagnostic kits developed by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) can perform 32 tests simultaneously, reduce costs and improve efficiency.
AI-operated handheld X-ray machines have played an important role in detecting tuberculous TB cases.
NADDA also launched a digital coffee table book, showcasing the impact of the TB Elimination Campaign, titled ‘Guidance Document on distributed TB Care’, which provides a roadmap for the treatment of highly risked TB patients.
