Swift Detection and Collaborative Spirit May Aid India in Eliminating Tuberculosis (TB) - Bhubaneswar Kalita and Dalbir Singh
In a significant stride towards TB elimination, India's 100-Day Intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has screened nearly 13 crore people, resulting in the detection of over 7 lakh TB patients. This campaign, which ran across 347 priority districts, has been instrumental in accelerating TB detection and treatment efforts.
The campaign builds upon the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), which aims to reduce TB incidence by 80%, reduce TB mortality by 90%, and eliminate catastrophic expenditure for TB patients by 2025. The campaign emphasises intensified case finding, expanded access to differentiated care, nutritional support, community mobilisation, and uninterrupted treatment access.
The approach has seen active participation from political leaders, including MPs, MLAs, and panchayati raj institutions, who have been encouraged to continue championing the cause of TB by reviewing programme data, mobilising communities, and pushing for the adoption of newer technologies in districts. Over 30,000 elected representatives participated in the campaign, underscoring the importance of political and community engagement.
Community mobilisation initiatives like Ni-kshayShapaths, Ni-kshayMitras, and Gram Sabha meetings focusing on TB awareness have played a crucial role in the campaign. The Ni-kshay Mitra initiative has drawn thousands of compassionate individuals, institutions, and local bodies to adopt TB patients. Over 13 lakh Ni-kshay Shivirs (local screening and awareness camps) brought TB services directly to people's doorsteps, especially in underserved areas.
The campaign also highlights the importance of early detection and rapid diagnosis. Indigenous multiplex kits now allow multiple tests at once, lowering costs and expediting diagnosis. Handheld X-ray units with artificial intelligence support, mobile labs mounted on Ni-kshay Vahans, and RT-PCR machines repurposed from the Covid-19 pandemic have been used during the 100-day campaign to reduce diagnostic delays and bring state-of-the-art testing closer to communities.
The Aarogya Rath, a mobile diagnostic unit equipped with handheld X-rays and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, represents a new approach to public health, focusing on proactive, inclusive, and early detection strategies. Late diagnosis of TB is common, causing delays in treatment and increasing the risk of spreading the disease and developing drug-resistant forms.
TB continues to be one of India's most stubborn public health challenges, affecting primarily the poor, undernourished, and those with co-morbidities. The health ministry's decision to scale up these efforts nationwide offers tremendous hope. The movement to end TB in India is not just a health programme, but a nationwide movement affirming dedication to social justice and human dignity.
The World Health Organisation's Global TB Report 2024 has highlighted India's progress in the fight against TB. Union health minister J.P. Nadda reaffirmed the nation's commitment to building a "TB-Mukt Bharat" during the World TB Day 2025 summit. With communities empowered, frontline workers supported, innovative technologies embraced, and political resolve unwavering, India can transform its vision of a TB-free nation into reality, setting an inspiring example for the entire world. The spirit of "Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver" must be kept alive in every village and ward, every state capital and national forum.
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