PM Modi calls for targeted interventions in TB elimination efforts

The Hindu

13-05-2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (May 13, 2025) underscored the importance of targeted interventions and technology-led outreach in the fight against tuberculosis, while chairing a high-level review meeting on the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) at his official residence.
The Prime Minister emphasised the need to analyse TB patient data based on urban-rural distinctions and occupational categories. 'This will help identify vulnerable groups requiring early testing and treatment, especially workers in construction, mining, textile and other high-risk sectors,' Mr. Modi observed.
Highlighting the curability of TB with regular treatment, the Prime Minister said the public must be made more aware, with less fear and more support. He called upon Nikshay Mitra —volunteers who support TB patients, to leverage digital platforms and interactive technologies to engage with patients effectively.
He reiterated the role of public participation (Jan Bhagidari) and cleanliness in the elimination strategy, and stressed the importance of ensuring that each patient receives uninterrupted treatment.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister reviewed encouraging data from the World Health Organization's Global TB Report 2024, which notes an 18% reduction in TB incidence in India - from 237 to 195 per lakh population between 2015 and 2023 - double the global pace. TB mortality in India fell by 21%, and treatment coverage rose to 85%.
Officials also presented updates on key infrastructure enhancements under NTEP, including the expansion of the TB diagnostic network to 8,540 NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing) laboratories and 87 culture and drug susceptibility testing labs. The current diagnostic infrastructure includes over 26,700 X-ray units, with 500 AI-enabled handheld devices already deployed and an additional 1,000 in the pipeline.
The decentralisation of TB services - free screening, diagnosis, treatment, and nutritional support - through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs was highlighted as a cornerstone of the programme's outreach.
New initiatives introduced in recent months include shorter drug regimens for drug-resistant TB, indigenous molecular diagnostics, nutrition interventions, and screening in high-risk congregate settings such as mines, construction sites, urban slums and tea gardens. Since 2018, the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana has facilitated Direct Benefit Transfer payments to 1.28 crore TB patients, with the incentive amount raised to ₹1,000 in 2024.
Under the Nikshay Mitra initiative, 2.55 lakh volunteers have distributed 29.4 lakh nutrition baskets to patients. The Prime Minister called for scaling up successful strategies nationwide and reaffirmed India's commitment to eliminating TB.
The meeting also reviewed the 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which screened 12.97 crore individuals in high-focus districts, resulting in the detection of 7.19 lakh TB cases - including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic patients. Over 1 lakh new Nikshay Mitra joined the effort during the campaign.
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. P.K. Mishra, and other senior officials were present at the meeting.