New Delhi: In a significant step toward eradicating tuberculosis (TB) in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is set to launch a 100-day intensified TB elimination campaign. Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda will inaugurate the initiative on December 7, 2024, in Panchkula, Haryana. The event will also feature Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Health Minister Smt. Arti Singh Rao, and other key government and civil society representatives.
Objectives and Scope of the Campaign
The campaign aims to accelerate TB case detection, reduce diagnostic delays, and improve treatment outcomes, particularly for high-risk groups. Covering 347 districts across 33 states and union territories, it is aligned with the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) and the government’s vision of a TB-free India (TB-Mukt Bharat), a goal articulated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the 2018 Delhi End TB Summit.
Key objectives include:
- Expanding diagnostic coverage and addressing disparities in TB outcomes.
- Enhancing programme performance in areas such as TB incidence, diagnostic accuracy, and mortality reduction.
- Strengthening support for TB patients through financial aid and nutritional assistance.
Strategic Measures and Support
The campaign emphasizes advanced diagnostic tools, targeted screenings, and specialized care for vulnerable populations. It incorporates expanded nutritional assistance under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and additional social support for household contacts through the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
Leveraging the Ayushman Aarogya Mandir network, the campaign aims to extend TB services to grassroots levels, ensuring accessible and comprehensive care for all.
Commitment to Eradicating TB
This intensified campaign underscores the government’s commitment to achieving TB elimination by 2025. By integrating prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services, it aims to strengthen India’s public health infrastructure and build healthier communities.
Further updates on the campaign’s progress will highlight its impact and reaffirm the nation’s dedication to equitable healthcare access and improved health outcomes for all.
