Union Health Minister Launches 100-Day Intensified TB Elimination Campaign

New Delhi: Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda launched a 100-day intensified campaign to combat tuberculosis (TB) in Panchkula, Haryana. The campaign targets the 347 most affected districts in India, aiming to detect and treat missing TB cases, especially among high-risk groups, and reduce TB-related mortality.

“This campaign is launched with the intention to give new momentum to the goal of TB-Mukt Bharat (TB-Free India),” said Shri Nadda. He emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating TB and highlighted how advances in TB detection and treatment have drastically improved patient outcomes.

“There was a time when TB was considered a ‘slow death,’ and even family members of those infected were isolated to prevent its spread. Since 2018, the Hon’ble Prime Minister envisioned ending TB much before the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals deadline,” Shri Nadda added.

The Health Minister noted key improvements, including the expansion of diagnostic labs from 120 in 2014 to 8,293 today, and the introduction of shorter, more effective treatment regimens that have increased the TB treatment success rate to 87%. Ni-kshay support worth ₹3,338 crore has also been provided through direct benefit transfers to over 1.17 crore TB patients.

Shri Nadda highlighted the government’s innovative approach to TB elimination: “Today, TB is detected early, thanks to the network of over 1.7 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country. Additionally, mandatory notification of TB cases by private practitioners has led to an eightfold increase in TB reporting in the private sector.” He also noted a doubling in the rate of TB decline in India from 8.3% in 2015 to 17.7% today and a 21.4% reduction in TB-related deaths over the last decade.

Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Chief Minister of Haryana, expressed pride that the campaign started in Haryana, emphasizing the state's dedication to eliminating TB. “India has fought against TB through successful campaigns like Jan Bhagidari, Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, Fit India, and Khelo India, which are admired worldwide. The government is working on the ‘4Ts’—test, track, treat, and technology—to eliminate TB,” he said.

Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring no shortages of medicines or consumables during the campaign. She appealed to civil society to actively participate in making the initiative a success.

As part of the event, Shri Nadda unveiled national guidelines for the implementation of the advanced BPaLM regimen for drug-resistant TB and launched campaign materials, including educational resources in multiple regional languages. The Union Health Minister also honored TB Champions and Ni-kshay Mitras and distributed food baskets to patients.

Mobile vans, “Ni-kshay Vahaan,” equipped with AI-enabled X-ray units and molecular diagnostic tools, were launched to enhance TB detection in remote areas. The campaign also incorporates nutritional support through the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, which recently increased monthly patient support from ₹500 to ₹1,000.