The Government of India is ramping up its fight against tuberculosis (TB) through the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), under the National Health Mission (NHM), with a focus on early detection, effective management, and prevention of new cases. The initiative is being implemented across the country with several targeted measures to ensure successful treatment completion, including for multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB cases.

According to Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel, who addressed the Rajya Sabha, the government is using multiple strategies to bolster TB management and eliminate the disease by 2025.

Strengthening Patient Monitoring and Treatment

All TB patients are being closely monitored through the Ni-kshay portal for the entire duration of their treatment. Treatment adherence is tracked with the help of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and peripheral health workers such as Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). Patients are also linked with community-based treatment supporters, including ASHAs and volunteers, with incentives provided to treatment supporters for their role in ensuring successful therapy.

Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST) is now being carried out for every diagnosed TB patient to identify drug resistance at the time of diagnosis. To decentralize care, the government has set up 826 Drug Resistant TB treatment centers across all districts.

Advancing Treatment Regimens

In 2021, a shorter, safer, all-oral treatment regimen for drug-resistant TB was introduced. Building on this, in 2024, the government rolled out an advanced four-drug combination—Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, and Moxifloxacin—offering a more effective and shorter treatment duration for patients with drug-resistant TB.

Nationwide Awareness Campaigns

The government is also working to break the stigma surrounding TB through widespread awareness campaigns across all states and union territories. A 100-day intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is currently underway in 347 priority districts across 33 states and UTs. This campaign involves Jan Bhagidari (public participation) efforts, enlisting the involvement of elected representatives, line ministries, schools, panchayati raj institutions, self-help groups, anganwadis, local NGOs, and civil society organizations to promote early health-seeking behavior.

Boosting Diagnostic Infrastructure

Recognizing the need for early and accessible diagnosis, the government has approved the procurement of handheld X-ray machines for deployment in high-burden areas. Additional provisions have also been made through the NHM to support state and UT-level procurement as per requirements.

These comprehensive efforts reflect the government’s commitment to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals related to TB and eliminating the disease from the country.