Tarun Chugh
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a clarion call to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) from India, igniting a nationwide drive to combat the disease. Guided by his leadership, the country adopted an innovative and integrated TB elimination strategy, propelling a significant shift in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Over the years, India has introduced several ground-breaking initiatives that have not only accelerated TB control but also established the nation as a global leader in the fight against this disease.
According to recent data from the WHO Global TB Report 2024, India achieved a remarkable 17.7% reduction in TB incidence between 2015 and 2023, a milestone far exceeding global averages. Notably, the nation diagnosed over 25.1 lakh TB patients in 2023, ensuring treatment coverage rose from 59% in 2015 to an impressive 85% in 2023. This is a testament to the relentless efforts undertaken by the government to implement holistic and innovative measures.
In an unprecedented effort to tackle one of the most persistent public health challenges, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda has launched a 100-day intensified campaign against tuberculosis (TB). Covering 347 high TB burden districts, the initiative is aimed to enhance detection, reduce diagnostic delays, and improve treatment outcomes. By utilizing advanced medical technologies and a robust healthcare system, the campaign highlights the government’s dedication to eradicating TB and improving health outcomes for all, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Launched on December 7, the initiative seeks partnerships among district officials, community leaders, and civil society organizations. Inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision, the campaign focuses on amplifying outreach efforts and strengthening public health services to address healthcare disparities. Bridging gaps in access and care brings India closer to its goal of a TB-free future. A cornerstone of the TB elimination strategy is nutritional support for patients, delivered under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY). Since its inception in 2018, NPY has disbursed over ` 3295 crore in direct benefit transfers, benefiting 1.16 crore patients. The monthly nutritional allowance, recently increased from ` 500 to ` 1,000, underscores the government’s commitment to comprehensive patient care.
Under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA), the government has fostered collaboration among citizens, healthcare workers, and organizations to combat TB. The PMTBMBA has not only helped address the nutritional challenges but also enabled community-driven initiatives, with over 1.75 lahks Nikshay Mitras providing 21 lakh food baskets to patients across the country, supporting their recovery while preserving their dignity.
To complement treatment efforts, India has dramatically expanded diagnostic facilities. From just a few hundred molecular diagnostic machines in 2015, the country now boasts 8,293 machines across districts, reducing the time required for TB diagnosis. This significant progress has been instrumental in identifying drug-resistant strains of TB, ensuring timely and effective treatment.
India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative has spurred the development of cost-effective, indigenous diagnostic tools for TB, including molecular tests that are now endorsed by the WHO. These advancements have not only reduced diagnostic costs but have also enhanced the efficiency of treatment, positioning India as a leader in global TB research.
Over the years, the introduction of newer TB drugs like Bedaquiline and Delamanid has revolutionized treatment for drug-resistant cases. Recent breakthroughs, such as the shorter six-month treatment regimen for multidrug-resistant TB using BPaL (Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid), have further enhanced recovery rates. These advancements signify India’s commitment to providing world-class healthcare to its citizens.
India’s robust research ecosystem, spearheaded by institutions like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), continues to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Ongoing research aims to introduce cost-effective point-of-care diagnostics to ensure last-mile delivery of healthcare services.
India’s sustained efforts towards TB elimination are a shining example of what collective action can achieve. From innovation in diagnostics and treatment to the unwavering support of communities, every stakeholder has played a pivotal role in this battle. India aims to eliminate TB, a goal that reflects not only ambition but also determination and accountability.
As the 100-day campaign begins, it beckons citizens to unite against TB. Let us work together to ensure that every patient receives the care they deserve and that TB becomes a relic of the past.
(The writer is the National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Part).
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