New Delhi: As India rolls out its ambitious 100-day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the country’s battle against tuberculosis is being presented as a model rooted in jan bhagidari—a collective effort inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Yet, even with measurable gains, the road to elimination remains long and fraught with challenges.
Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda stated that India has achieved a 21 percent reduction in TB incidence—nearly double the global rate—alongside a 25 percent decline in mortality since 2015. “It shows what happens when science, systems, and society work together,” he noted, highlighting the scale of coordinated efforts from central ministries to village panchayats.
Hon’ble Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri JP Nadda, flags off the Ni-kshay Vahan under the theme -Yes! We Can End TB. Photo Credit: @JPNadda/X
The government’s strategy now leans heavily on technology and outreach. AI-enabled handheld X-ray units mounted on Nikshay Vahans are taking diagnostics directly to vulnerable communities. Over 20 crore people have been screened so far, leading to the detection of 32.65 lakh TB cases, including 10.9 lakh asymptomatic patients who might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Officials say the involvement of recovered patients—now termed TB vijetas—has added a human dimension to the campaign, helping reduce stigma and encouraging early testing. “With collective efforts, we are confident of achieving the resolve—Yes, We Can End TB,” Nadda asserted.
However, public health experts caution that progress, though significant, is insufficient to meet elimination targets. Tuberculosis cases have declined but not at the pace required. A major concern remains the tendency of people to ignore persistent cough, fever, or weight loss, often resorting to self-medication instead of seeking timely medical advice.
Watch YouTube: In this video of Health on Air, we bring you an insightful conversation with Dr. Avi Kumar, Senior Consultant – Pulmonology at Fortis Escorts, New Delhi, with over 18 years of experience in respiratory care. Dr. Kumar shares his expertise on tuberculosis, its worrying resurgence, and the growing challenge of drug-resistant TB. He highlights the importance of early diagnosis, timely treatment, and the critical role of nutrition, especially a protein-rich diet, in recovery.
India’s initial goal of eliminating TB by 2025 has already been postponed to 2030, largely due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite increased awareness, new cases continue to emerge across the country, underscoring gaps in early detection and treatment adherence.
According to the World Health Organization, TB remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally. India alone accounts for nearly 25 percent of the world’s TB burden, with 187 cases per lakh population reported in 2024. Mortality has declined from 28 per lakh in 2015 to 21 per lakh in 2024, reflecting progress but also the scale of the challenge.
Medical experts warn that tuberculosis, caused by a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, can turn fatal if left untreated. “TB spreads through airborne droplets and can lead to severe complications, including lung damage and organ failure,” said Dr. Harish Bhatia. The disease is particularly dangerous for individuals with weakened immunity, including patients with HIV, cancer, diabetes, as well as malnourished people and those living in overcrowded conditions.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar of the Centre for Community Medicine at All India Institute of Medical Sciences explained that pulmonary TB remains the most common and contagious form, while extrapulmonary TB affects organs such as the brain, kidneys, and bones. Other forms include miliary TB, which spreads through the bloodstream; TB lymphadenitis, affecting lymph nodes; skeletal TB, impacting the spine; and rare manifestations like cutaneous TB.
While government programmes such as TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and Nikshay Poshan Yojana have strengthened the response, experts insist that awareness and early diagnosis remain the weakest links.
Dr. Harish Bhatia, Senior Consultant – Respiratory Medicine & Interventional Pulmonologist, Yatharth Hospital Model Town
“TB Mukt Bharat is not just a goal—it’s a promise that no life should be lost to a preventable and curable disease.”
A TB-free society improves public health, reduces healthcare costs, and boosts economic productivity. Early detection and treatment save lives and prevent spread, especially in vulnerable communities. Awareness campaigns also reduce stigma and encourage timely care.
However, challenges remain. Limited access to healthcare in rural areas, social stigma, and treatment non-adherence can slow progress. Drug-resistant TB adds complexity and cost. Sustained funding, education, and community participation are essential to overcome these barriers and achieve a truly TB-free future
With millions still at risk and India contributing a significant share to global TB deaths, the success of the latest campaign may depend not just on policy and technology, but on whether individuals heed early symptoms and seek timely care.
(Cover Photo: Hon’ble Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri JP Nadda, launching 100-day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. Credit: @JPNadda/X)
