Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Saturday launched the “TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan,” a 100-day campaign aimed at combating tuberculosis (TB), in Panchkula, Haryana.
According to an official statement, the campaign focuses on the rapid detection and treatment of TB patients in 347 of the most-affected districts across India.
Speaking at the launch, Nadda emphasized the government’s dedication to eradicating TB. He stated, “When people used to say ‘fight against TB,’ in 2018, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi said ‘end TB.’ This was a very bold statement for the world. The health department approached the challenge with full readiness.”
“Although COVID-19 temporarily redirected efforts, we remain committed. While it may take some additional time beyond 2025, we will leave no stone unturned to achieve a TB-free India.”
The campaign is part of the government’s broader initiative to eliminate TB in India ahead of the global deadline of 2030. Nadda noted, “There was a time when TB was considered a ‘slow death,’ and even family members suffering from the disease were isolated to prevent its spread. In 2018, however, the Prime Minister set a vision to end TB well before the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals deadline.”
Highlighting advancements in TB treatment, Nadda mentioned the establishment of over 1.7 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which facilitate early detection. “The Union Government introduced a daily drug regimen for drug-sensitive TB, including a shorter and more effective treatment plan, leading to an 87% treatment success rate,” he explained.
The government has also provided Ni-kshay support worth ₹3,338 crore through direct benefit transfers to over 1.17 crore TB patients. Nadda further shared that the rate of TB decline in India has doubled, from 8.3% in 2015 to 17.7% today, surpassing the global average. Additionally, TB-related deaths in India have decreased by 21.4% over the past decade.
Member of Parliament Nayab Singh Saini highlighted how government campaigns like ‘Jan Bhagidari,’ ‘Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana,’ ‘Fit India,’ and ‘Khelo India’ have bolstered efforts to fight TB. He also mentioned the government’s focus on the “4Ts” to eliminate TB—test, track, treat, and technology.