Medanta, a leader in multi-specialty healthcare in India, has proudly marked a significant milestone—10 years of its groundbreaking 'Mission TB Free' initiative. Over the past decade, this ambitious campaign has redefined tuberculosis (TB) care and detection in Haryana and neighboring regions. The event celebrating this achievement was attended by Anupriya Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, along with Medanta’s top leadership, including Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta (Global Health Limited).

A Decade of Impact and Innovation

Since its inception, 'Mission TB Free' has profoundly influenced TB care by extending critical healthcare services to over a million individuals across Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. With 80,000 chest X-rays conducted and more than 10,000 TB cases diagnosed, the program has become a beacon of hope, particularly in remote areas where medical access is scarce.

New Initiatives: Expanding Reach, Enhancing Care

Building on its decade-long success, Medanta is now pushing the boundaries of TB care even further. The hospital has introduced ultra-portable X-ray machines designed to be carried on motorbikes, alongside mobile screening vans, to reach the most underserved communities. In collaboration with public and private sector partners, Medanta has also launched the Arogya Karmee project. This initiative is geared toward raising awareness, promoting early diagnosis, and providing comprehensive treatment for TB and related conditions, such as lung diseases and other non-communicable diseases, particularly among industrial workers.

The Arogya Karmee project aims to create strong partnerships with key service providers like the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) and the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). These collaborations will ensure that vulnerable populations receive free treatment for TB, diabetes, hypertension, and lung diseases, alongside preventive care measures such as diet control and tobacco cessation. The project will also focus on workplace support to boost treatment adherence, with plans to expand Medanta's highly effective Active Case Finding (ACF) model in Uttar Pradesh. By integrating advanced technologies, including AI-powered diagnostics, the initiative is set to make TB screening more accessible and reliable than ever before.

A Vision for a TB-Free Future

"As we celebrate a decade of 'Mission TB Free,' our resolve to contribute to India's national TB elimination goals remains stronger than ever," said Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta. "Our journey from a single mobile unit in 2014 to an extensive network of five units in 2023, powered by strategic partnerships and community support, showcases our unwavering commitment to scaling up these life-saving interventions."

Dr. Trehan highlighted the crucial role of cutting-edge technologies in improving diagnostic and treatment methodologies. He also expressed deep gratitude to the entire Medanta team, ASHA workers, paramedics, and partners for their relentless dedication. "Together, we are moving closer to a TB-free India, with aspirations to replicate our successful model in other high-burden areas nationwide," he added.

From Pilot to Statewide Success: The Rewari Model

'Mission TB Free' began as a pilot project in Rewari, where the introduction of mobile medical units equipped with digital X-ray technology marked a breakthrough in TB diagnosis. The project significantly improved TB detection rates, identifying 34.4% of smear-negative TB cases that might have otherwise gone undetected. Supported by national leaders and organizations such as the Central TB Division, USAID, and The Union, the program rapidly expanded across Haryana.

Medanta’s innovative use of AI-powered digital X-ray systems and GeneXpert Edge (CBNAAT) technology has revolutionized TB diagnosis, reducing the time to detect the disease to just two hours. These advancements have led to a significant increase in case positivity rates, with some areas seeing a threefold rise in case detection. For example, the first ACF round in Karnal resulted in 108 active TB cases out of 596 people screened, a remarkable case positivity rate of 18%.

Overcoming Challenges, Paving the Way Forward

Despite these successes, challenges persist. Dr. Bornali Datta, Director of the TB Programme at Medanta, pointed out issues such as logistical hurdles, occasional diagnostic shortages, and the stigma surrounding TB in some communities. However, she remains optimistic, emphasizing ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement and explore innovative diagnostic methods like tongue swab tests.

"Our mission is to develop a sustainable, replicable model for TB elimination that can be adapted to other high-burden regions across India," Dr. Datta remarked.

Case Study: Project Yamuna Pushtha

Medanta’s commitment to fighting TB extends beyond Haryana, reaching into one of the most TB-affected areas in the world—the Yamuna Pushtha region of Delhi. With TB rates nearly 10 times higher than the city's average, this area has been a focal point of Medanta’s efforts since 2019. Through bi-weekly screenings, the hospital has made significant strides in early detection and treatment, targeting a transient population of migrant laborers who are at high risk of developing advanced TB.

With India recording a 16% decline in new TB cases and an 18% reduction in mortality since 2015, Medanta's efforts in high-prevalence areas like Yamuna Pushtha are crucial to achieving the country's ambitious goal of eliminating TB by 2025.