Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Tuesday chaired a high-level inter-ministerial meeting with Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth to strengthen convergence and accelerate the implementation of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan through a whole-of-government approach.
The meeting focused on expanding inter-sectoral coordination to strengthen tuberculosis prevention, early detection, treatment adherence, nutritional support and community participation by leveraging the outreach networks of the participating ministries.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks during a recent PRAGATI review meeting, Nadda said the Prime Minister had underscored the need to harness the power of India’s youth to transform the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan into a nationwide people’s movement.
“Achieving the goal of eliminating tuberculosis requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, with every Ministry, institution and stakeholder contributing through their respective strengths and outreach,” Nadda said.
He added that the active participation of young people, community organisations, educational institutions, workplaces and government departments would play a key role in accelerating awareness, early detection, treatment adherence and patient support.
The Health Minister urged the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to expand the engagement of MY Bharat volunteers and National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets by strengthening the existing TB Mukt Bharat Toli model. He also called for scaling up volunteer-led mobilisation for screening camps, expanding the Experiential Learning Programme to train Lead Ni-kshay Mitras and intensifying awareness campaigns in schools, colleges and communities.
Seeking greater support from the Ministry of Defence, Nadda proposed wider participation of NCC cadets and defence personnel in awareness rallies, screening camps, household contact education and nutrition support for TB patients. He also suggested integrating TB awareness into NCC training camps, Republic Day and Independence Day activities, adventure camps and rural outreach programmes.
Speaking at the meeting, Mansukh Mandaviya stressed the need for stronger institutional convergence to accelerate the campaign.
“The country has nearly six lakh undergraduate medical students and around two lakh postgraduate medical students. This large pool of trained human resources can be meaningfully engaged in the campaign through medical colleges across the country,” he said.
Mandaviya also suggested engaging candidates from the Pratibha Setu programme in District TB Coordination Committees to strengthen planning, implementation and monitoring of TB elimination efforts. He further recommended involving the Ministry of Education to enhance coordination with medical colleges, educational institutions and youth networks.
Over 28 crore screened under TB Mukt Bharat campaign
The Ministry said the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, launched in December 2024, has significantly accelerated India’s efforts towards tuberculosis elimination through active case finding and enhanced patient support.
According to the ministry, more than 28 crore vulnerable individuals have been screened for tuberculosis, resulting in the notification of over 39 lakh TB patients. Of these, 12.93 lakh asymptomatic patients were identified through active screening using chest X-rays, enabling early diagnosis and reducing disease transmission.
The campaign has also strengthened patient support, with over 5.7 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras registered under the initiative, distributing 38.9 lakh nutrition baskets to TB patients. More than 20 lakh patients have also received individualised care under the programme’s differentiated care approach.
During the meeting, the participating ministries agreed to expand the TB Mukt Bharat Toli model by leveraging MY Bharat volunteers, NCC cadets and youth organisations for community mobilisation, screening camps and awareness campaigns.
Discussions also focused on developing a TB-free workplace framework by integrating screening into occupational health practices, particularly in high-risk sectors such as mining, construction, textiles and transport, as well as among migrant workers. Employers, trade unions, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and the Directorate General Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI) will also be mobilised to support workplace screening and ensure continuity of treatment.
Nadda reviews Kerala’s health programmes
Later in the day, Nadda also chaired a virtual review meeting with Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan to assess the implementation of key health programmes and public health initiatives in the state.
The review covered flagship initiatives including the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, Free Drugs Service Initiative, Free Diagnostic Service Initiative, human resources under the National Health Mission (NHM), medical education, drug regulation and food safety.
Muraleedharan briefed the Union Health Minister on the progress made under various programmes, highlighted challenges requiring central assistance and reaffirmed Kerala’s commitment to working closely with the Centre to achieve national health priorities.
Appreciating the state’s efforts, Nadda assured continued support from the Government of India to strengthen Kerala’s healthcare ecosystem.
“Sustained Centre-State collaboration is essential to ensure effective implementation of national health programmes and improved health outcomes for the people,” the Union Health Minister said.
