In a landmark move towards eliminating tuberculosis (TB) in Haryana, the Association of Healthcare Providers (India) (AHPI) brought together over 30 corporate and private hospitals at Amrita Hospitals, Faridabad, on December 2, 2024. This assembly marked the launch of the "Consortium of Corporate Hospitals for a TB-Free Haryana," a unique initiative aimed at uniting private healthcare providers in the fight against TB.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Sunil K. Khetarpal, Director of AHPI, emphasized the importance and the role of the private sector in supporting the Nations TB Elimination efforts. “More than 50% of people with TB are diagnosed in the private sector in India. The need of the hour is Systems such as STEPS by the Private Sector -To ensure Standards of TB Care in India (STCI) and To address the missing TB cases and ensure quality care for all individuals seeking care in the private healthcare facility. Dr. Khetarpal also highlighted the AHPI End TB initiative, which advocates for member hospitals to adopt systems like STEPS.
Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General of AHPI, underscored the importance of grassroots engagement in achieving the mission. “India has the determination to end TB. With over 40,000 nursing homes operating with less than 30 beds, the ‘Spoke and Hub’ model can effectively deliver care at the grassroots level. Corporate hospitals must take the leadership in mentoring these smaller facilities to ensure uniform, high standards of TB care. We must explore certifications as a recognition to the hospitals in TB management.” He remarked that review meetings shall be held at least on a monthly basis

The event saw participation from 60 delegates representing renowned hospitals such as Fortis, Max Healthcare, and Narayana Health. With support from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the USAID-backed iDEFEAT TB project through The Union, this initiative underlines the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving India’s TB elimination goals.

India bears the highest global burden of TB, contributing over 26% of new cases and a third of TB-related deaths worldwide, as per the Global TB Report 2024. Recognizing the critical role of private healthcare providers, who diagnose over half of TB cases in the country, the consortium aims to integrate these institutions into the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP).

Central to this effort is the System for TB Elimination by Private Sector (STEPS), which ensures adherence to the Standards of TB Care in India (STCI) and aims to close gaps in diagnosis and treatment for patients seeking care in private facilities.

Prominent speakers at the event included Dr. Sanjay K. Mattoo, Additional DDG-TB at the Central TB Division, MoHFW; Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General of AHPI; and Dr. Shibu Balakrishnan, National Program Officer at WHO. Dr. Mattoo emphasized the urgent need for private sector engagement in TB elimination through systems like STEPS and highlighted upcoming campaigns such as the 100-day TB elimination initiative.

Dr. Gyani proposed a mentorship-driven approach, encouraging corporate hospitals to guide smaller nursing homes across India in providing consistent, high-quality TB care. His vision of a “Spoke and Hub” model resonated strongly with the attendees, as it aligns with the consortium’s goal to build capacity at the grassroots level.

The gathering also featured insightful discussions and success stories. Dr. Sanjeev K. Singh, Medical Director at Amrita Hospitals, shared how STEPS has improved TB care standards at his institution. Meanwhile, Ms. Gracy Mathai, Chair of the Consortium of Private Hospitals in Calicut, highlighted the program’s broader impact on public health challenges.

Fortis Hospitals, represented by Business Head Mr. Mahipal Singh Bhanot, committed to hosting the next consortium meeting, underlining the momentum behind this collaborative effort.

The consortium concluded with a unanimous decision to formalize the group, develop a detailed roadmap, and conduct regular reviews to ensure progress. Key priorities include standardizing TB care, strengthening public health services such as contact tracing and infection control, and advocating for policy frameworks driven by private sector insights.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Shibu Balakrishnan noted, “This consortium bridges the gap between public and private healthcare, driving us closer to a TB-free Haryana.” His optimism was echoed by Dr. Rakesh P.S., Deputy Director Program, and other key participants, who urged hospitals to adopt STEPS and actively support government campaigns.

With AHPI planning to replicate this model across other states, the consortium’s efforts mark a significant milestone in India’s fight against TB. As Ms. Nidhi Bansal, Country Director of The Union, aptly stated, “Collaborative efforts like this are essential to scaling up TB elimination efforts across India.”

This initiative, driven by the collective will of corporate hospitals and supported by robust government frameworks, offers a hopeful vision of a TB-free future for Haryana and the nation.