Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday shared an article by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda outlining India’s progress and strategy towards eliminating tuberculosis (TB), with a strong emphasis on public participation and scientific innovation.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said, “Union Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda writes about the country’s journey towards eliminating TB, anchored in Jan Bhagidari. He highlights that India has made sustained investments in research and development, strengthened partnerships and created a pipeline of Made-in-India TB diagnostics.”
Nadda’s article underscores that India’s fight against TB is anchored in “Jan Bhagidari” – a whole-of-society approach that brings together government institutions, healthcare professionals, communities, and citizens. Highlighting the country’s progress, the Minister noted that India has achieved a 21% reduction in TB incidence and a 25% decline in TB-related deaths since 2015, nearly double the global pace.
Nadda described the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan as a key driver of this progress, particularly the 100-day intensified campaign launched in December 2024, which demonstrated the effectiveness of collective action. “India’s TB response has been unique – anchored in jan bhagidari, the spirit of collective responsibility,” he said.
The Minister highlighted the shift towards proactive screening, especially after the National TB Prevalence Survey revealed that nearly half of TB patients do not exhibit typical symptoms. This has led to targeted screening of vulnerable populations, with over 20 crore people screened so far and 32.65 lakh TB cases detected, including a significant number of asymptomatic patients.
Technology and innovation have played a crucial role in these efforts. AI-enabled handheld X-ray devices, mobile diagnostic units such as Nikshay Vahans, and advanced molecular testing are being deployed to reach high-risk communities. The government now plans to expand this network with over 3,000 AI-powered devices and enhanced data-driven tools to identify high-risk areas.
Nadda also emphasized India’s growing leadership in TB innovation, driven by collaboration between government, academia, and industry. These efforts aim not only to strengthen domestic capabilities but also position India as a global leader in TB diagnostics and solutions for the Global South.
Urban areas, particularly informal settlements and migrant populations, have been identified as critical focus zones in the next phase of the campaign. The strategy aims to deepen early detection, improve access to diagnostics, and ensure treatment adherence.
Calling TB elimination a national mission, Nadda said the campaign goes beyond public health and reflects the country’s collective resolve. “A TB-Mukt Bharat will not be built by the government alone. It will be built by all of us,” he wrote, urging citizens to contribute through awareness, support, and the rejection of stigma.
Reaffirming confidence in India’s goal, he concluded that with sustained efforts and unity, the country can achieve the vision of a TB-free future, echoing the Prime Minister’s call: “Yes, we can end TB.”
