The Indian government has strengthened its fight against tuberculosis (TB) through a multi-pronged approach under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), which operates under the National Health Mission (NHM). Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, recently highlighted these efforts in the Lok Sabha, underscoring the commitment to eradicating TB by 2025.

The programme focuses on early diagnosis, timely treatment with quality-assured drugs, and engaging private healthcare providers. It also emphasizes active case finding and contact tracing among vulnerable populations and airborne infection control measures. These strategies are part of a larger plan to address social determinants of the disease through a collaborative, multi-sectoral response.

The World Health Organisation’s Global TB Report 2024 painted a concerning picture of the country’s TB burden, revealing that India accounted for 26% of global TB cases and deaths in 2023. To understand the local dynamics better, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted a National TB Prevalence Survey across 20 states. The findings reported a prevalence of 312 TB cases per lakh population, prompting the government to recalibrate its interventions.

To tackle the disease, targeted actions have been directed toward high-burden areas, with state- and district-specific strategies guiding the implementation. Access to free drugs and diagnostics has been ensured, while active case-finding campaigns focus on vulnerable populations, including those with co-morbidities. The integration of TB screening and treatment services with the Ayushman Bharat scheme has further streamlined care delivery.

Private healthcare providers are being engaged through incentives for TB case notification and management, while diagnostic infrastructure has been expanded with molecular diagnostic laboratories now reaching sub-district levels. Nutritional support has been extended to TB patients under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, and the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative provides additional nutritional, diagnostic, and vocational aid to patients and their families.

The government is also working to reduce stigma and improve community awareness through intensified Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns. Preventive treatments are being administered to those in close contact with TB patients and other at-risk groups, while digital tools like the Ni-kshay portal enable real-time tracking of cases. Collaboration with multiple ministries has ensured a holistic approach, addressing both medical and socio-economic factors contributing to the disease.

India’s comprehensive efforts reflect a determined push to eliminate TB as a public health threat. With a robust strategy and strengthened infrastructure, the government aims to bring down incidence rates and mortality, ensuring a healthier future for millions.