In a significant step towards eliminating tuberculosis (TB) in India by 2025, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda, chaired a Joint Strategy Meeting at Vigyan Bhawan. The meeting, part of the 100-Day Intensified Campaign under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, underscored the importance of a collaborative, whole-of-government approach to tackle the disease.

Shri Nadda emphasized the collective spirit of Jan Bhagidaari (public participation) as pivotal to achieving the ambitious target of a TB-free India. “Sustained partnerships, active participation, and a nationwide commitment are essential to achieving the ambitious goal of a TB-Free India,” he stated. 

The campaign has already screened over 2 crore individuals and identified 1.48 lakh new TB cases within its first 30 days.

Shri Nadda lauded India’s progress in TB elimination, attributing it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and the Health Ministry’s efforts. “The Prime Minister’s vision and the health department’s efforts have made India a leader in the elimination of TB. The reduction in TB cases in India stands at 17.7%, nearly double the global reduction rate,” he added.

High-Level Participation

The meeting witnessed participation from 21 line ministries, including the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Women and Child Development (WCD), Tribal Affairs, AYUSH, Heavy Industries and Steel, among others. Ministers, secretaries, and senior officials shared progress and reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the campaign’s goals.

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, highlighted the Labour Ministry’s proactive measures, including TB screening in 156 ESIC hospitals. He also assured support from MyBharat volunteers to raise awareness and mobilize communities for TB screenings.

Shri. Jual Oram, Minister of Tribal Affairs, stressed the need to address malnutrition among tribal populations, a key factor contributing to TB prevalence. “The government’s initiatives like the ‘Millet Mission’ are helping provide nutritious diets to TB patients,” he noted.

Smt. Annapurna Devi, Minister of Women and Child Development, highlighted the crucial role of Anganwadi workers. “More than 14 lakh Anganwadi workers are contributing to ensure nutrition in rural areas through Poshan Maah and Poshan Pakhwara activities. Their active role in eliminating the stigma around TB will motivate people to come forward for screenings,” she stated.

Shri. Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare of India, emphasized the collaboration between the AYUSH and Health Ministries at the field level, particularly in addressing nutritional needs under the campaign.

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A United Front Against TB

The comprehensive approach adopted under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan reflects a united front against the disease. Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, lauded the joint efforts of his ministry and the Health Ministry, reiterating their commitment to making India TB-free.

The meeting concluded with secretaries and senior officials of participating ministries reaffirming their responsibilities to support the campaign. With multi-ministerial collaboration and a focus on grassroots mobilization, the 100-Day Intensified Campaign continues to strengthen India’s fight against TB.

This initiative marks a major milestone in India’s mission to achieve TB elimination, setting a global benchmark for unified action against this public health challenge.

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