5.1 lakh TB patients notified across India

Among those identified, 2.4 lakh patients have been notified from public health institutions, while 1.1 lakh were identified through private healthcare facilities

Since the launch of the 100-day Intensified TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan on December 7, 2024 by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda, over 5.1 lakh notifications have been recorded across India.

A new strategy was designed for early identification of TB by offering X-ray as a screening tool for the population at higher risk of developing TB. With the use of ultraportable hand-held X-ray and intensified efforts to reach door to door, in congregate settings, identifying risk groups such as diabetics, smokers, alcoholics, people living with HIV, those with TB in the past, geriatric population, house-hold contacts of TB patients and screening both asymptomatic and symptomatic with X-ray followed by confirmation using Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) has identified several asymptomatic TB patients.

Till date, the campaign has made remarkable progress. Over 3.5 lakh TB patients have been notified across 455 intervention districts, and more than 10 crore vulnerable individuals have been screened as a result of accelerated case detection efforts, reduced diagnostic delays, identifying drug-resistant cases early and improving treatment outcomes.

Among those identified, 2.4 lakh patients have been notified from public health institutions, while 1.1 lakh were identified through private healthcare facilities. Additionally, over 10 lakh Ni-kshay Shivirs have been organized, and 836 Ni-kshay Vahans have been deployed to extend the reach of TB services, ensuring that even the most remote areas are covered.

Over 38 lakh people have been screened using chest x-rays, including a substantial population that did not exhibit the typical symptoms or any symptoms of TB. Alongside, the campaign is working to ensure complete treatment, scale up differentiated TB care for identifying patients in immediate need for care, hospital admission, the undernourished TB patients, and offer preventive TB treatment for the vulnerable population.

These results are an outcome of a “whole-of-government approach” to ensure the success of the campaign; the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, has chaired meetings with Chief Ministers and Cabinet Ministers and senior officials from 22 ministries.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organized a sensitization session which was attended by over 250 parliamentarians across states and Union Territories to inform them about the campaign and encourage their involvement and support at the state and district levels.

The Union Minister urged Chief Ministers of all states to closely monitor the progress of the campaign at the state level. High-level administrative officers have been identified to oversee the implementation of activities across various departments to ensure seamless coordination.

India’s commitment to fighting TB is evident in the nation’s achievements to date. In 2024, India notified over 26 lakh TB patients, thereby closing the gap in the estimated incidence and those notified to the programme. It is worth noting that over 36% of notifications were registered from the private sector, reflecting the success of the progressive policy changes, innovative strategies and interventions deployed by the programme over the course of the last ten years.