The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has written to all states and Union Territories (UTs) to organize a 100-day intensified campaign on tuberculosis (TB) elimination in prisons and correctional institutions. This initiative is part of the central government’s commitment to eradicating the disease from India.
According to the MHA, screening camps (Nikshay Shivir) will be organized in all prisons, covering all inmates, in consultation with state health departments, state TB officers, and district TB officers. These camps are scheduled from February 3 to February 15.
Prison authorities are required to administer the Nikshay Shapath (pledge) from January 27 to February 2. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials are to be displayed in all prison offices and institutions, along with efforts to raise TB awareness among prison staff.
“The active involvement of prison authorities in this campaign is anticipated to play a crucial role in advancing TB control efforts,” the MHA said in a statement. It also urged all states and UTs to conduct comprehensive screenings of prison inmates and staff, while promoting awareness to aid in the elimination of tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis remains a significant public health concern in prisons due to the closed and crowded environment, which increases the risk of TB transmission. This poses a threat not only to incarcerated populations but also to public health through interactions with visitors and prisoners’ eventual release.