The second Consortium of Corporate Hospitals, organized by the Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI), convened in Kaushambi, Ghaziabad, to accelerate efforts toward making Uttar Pradesh tuberculosis-free.

 This initiative is part of India’s ambitious 100-day TB elimination campaign and represents a collaboration between private healthcare providers and public health authorities. Supported by the USAID-backed iDEFEAT TB project, under the ‘Corporate TB Pledge’ initiative by The Union, the event spotlighted the private sector’s critical role in combating tuberculosis (TB) in India.

Healthcare leaders from both public and private sectors, including senior government officials and medical professionals, attended the event. Prominent figures included Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General of AHPI; Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mattoo, Joint Commissioner and Additional Deputy Director General for TB in the Central TB Division; and Mr. Indra Vikram Singh, IAS, District Magistrate of Ghaziabad. Dr. Upasana Arora, Director of Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals, Kaushambi, was appointed chair of the Uttar Pradesh consortium, which aims to unify private hospitals in the fight against TB.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Indra Vikram Singh emphasized the urgency of the mission, noting Uttar Pradesh’s disproportionate share of TB cases in India. “The state, which houses nearly one-fourth of the country's TB patients, requires a focused approach. This consortium is a commendable initiative, and we extend our wholehearted support,” he said.

Dr. Upasana Arora highlighted the strategic role of private hospitals in achieving TB elimination goals. “This consortium aligns with the government’s aim to eradicate TB. We have already developed SOPs for establishing STEP centers and are planning a drug-resistant TB center to strengthen care delivery,” she stated.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mattoo underscored the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors. “TB remains a significant challenge, despite government efforts. This AHPI-led initiative is a step forward in bridging the gap and setting a benchmark for TB elimination,” he noted.

Dr. Girdhar Gyani stressed the importance of uniformity in TB care protocols and community engagement. “This consortium is the beginning of a larger movement. By identifying high-risk groups and standardizing treatment, we can make substantial progress in eliminating TB. Collaboration at the district level is pivotal to our success,” he remarked.

The event also featured insights from Dr. Atul Mohan Kochar, CEO of NABH, who called the initiative a potential game-changer. “India, being the second-largest contributor to multi-drug-resistant TB, faces a significant public health challenge. This consortium’s focus on implementing Standards of TB Care in India (STCI) and establishing STEP centers will enhance the country’s fight against the disease,” he said.

Ms. Nidhi Bansal, Country Director of The Union, commended the consortium’s efforts and called for similar initiatives across India. She emphasized the role of corporate hospitals in supporting early detection and effective treatment.

Dr. Sunil K. Khetarpal, Director of AHPI, highlighted that private healthcare providers diagnose over 50% of TB cases in India, underscoring their critical role in eradicating the disease. “Addressing gaps in TB care and ensuring adherence to STCI are vital steps to eliminate TB by 2025,” he added.

The consortium is focused on building a sustainable platform for collaboration between private hospitals and public health authorities. Key objectives include standardizing diagnosis and treatment, improving adherence to STCI guidelines, and enhancing measures like contact tracing, preventive treatment, infection control, and patient support.

This event follows the first consortium held in Faridabad, Haryana, on December 2, where 50 hospitals participated. The Uttar Pradesh consortium builds on this momentum, reaffirming the private sector’s commitment to a TB-free India. It highlights the necessity of joint efforts to achieve sustainable progress in eliminating tuberculosis, ensuring that no patient is left behind.