New Delhi, March 24: Union Health Minister JP Nadda reaffirmed India’s commitment to a TB-Mukt Bharat at the World TB Day 2025 Summit. The theme for this year’s event was “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”
Highlighting the success of the 100-Day Intensified TB Elimination Campaign, Nadda praised initiatives like handheld X-ray units, mobile diagnostic vans (Nikshay Vahans), and NAAT testing, which helped bring TB detection services to remote areas. Over 13.46 lakh Nikshay Shivirs (community screening camps) were organized, benefiting crores of people.
Key Achievements:
🔹 TB treatment coverage increased from 59% to 85%.
🔹 12.97 crore people were screened, detecting 7.19 lakh new TB cases, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic cases.
🔹 5,000 MLAs and 10,000 Gram Panchayats participated in the campaign.
🔹 Over 1.05 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras registered, distributing 3.06 lakh food baskets to TB patients.
Scaling Up the Fight Against TB
Nadda announced that the campaign will now be expanded nationwide with support from 22 line ministries and 30,000 elected representatives. He emphasized India’s leadership in TB research, highlighting ICMR’s indigenous diagnostic kits and the use of RT-PCR technology for TB screening. AI-powered handheld X-ray machines have also improved TB detection, especially among asymptomatic individuals.
On the occasion, the minister unveiled a Coffee Table Book on TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and launched a ‘Guidance Document on Differentiated TB Care’ for high-risk patients.
State/UTs were recognized for their outstanding performance in the 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and TB Mukt Gram Panchayat Initiative.
Senior health officials, WHO representatives, and TB Champions attended the summit, reinforcing a whole-of-society approach to eliminate TB in India.
