PM Modi urges for TB-Free India
PM Modi chaired a
high-level review meeting on the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) at his official residence.
He showcased the importance of evaluating the status and progress of the NTEP, along with the outcomes of the recently concluded
100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
PM also reiterated India’s resolve to eliminate the disease. He emphasized the need to replicate successful interventions on a national scale, calling the campaign a model of Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) that should be further accelerated.
Amidst the 100-day campaign, a total of 12.97 crore vulnerable individuals were screened across
high-focus districts, leading to the detection of 7.19 lakh TB cases, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic cases.
Over 1 lakh new
Ni-kshay Mitras — voluntary supporters of TB patients — joined the initiative, contributing to its community-driven approach.
PMModi underscored the importance of analysing TB trends by geography (urban vs rural) and occupation, particularly among workers in high-risk sectors such as construction, mining, and textiles. He encouraged leveraging technology to enhance engagement between Ni-kshay Mitras and TB patients through interactive tools to boost awareness and treatment adherence.
Highlighting the curability of TB with consistent treatment, PM called for reducing fear and increasing public awareness. He stressed cleanliness and personal outreach as key components in eliminating the disease.
The review also acknowledged the positive findings from the WHO Global TB Report 2024, which reported an 18% decline in TB incidence and a 21% drop in TB-related mortality in India between 2015 and 2023 — a pace double the global average.
Treatment coverage has also improved to 85%, reflecting the growing reach of the programme.
Infrastructure advancements were also reviewed, including the expansion of the TB diagnostic network to 8,540 NAAT labs and 87 culture and drug susceptibility labs. Over 26,700 X-ray units, including 500 AI-enabled handheld devices, are now operational, with an additional 1,000 in the pipeline.
PM was also briefed on several new initiatives, such as AI-powered X-ray screening, shortened drug-resistant TB treatment regimens, indigenous molecular diagnostics, and nutrition-focused interventions. Screening in high-density areas like mines, tea gardens, construction sites, and urban slums has also been intensified.
Under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, Rs. 1,000 monthly incentives were provided in 2024 to enhance nutrition among TB patients, benefitting over 1.28 crore patients since 2018. Additionally, 29.4 lakh food baskets have been distributed by 2.55 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras.
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and senior officials were present at the meeting.
News Edit KV Raman
