21.69 Lakh TB Cases Reported from January to October: Government Update
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New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) The government revealed on Tuesday that nearly 21.69 lakh tuberculosis (TB) cases have been reported in the period from January to October 2024.
TB notifications have been a significant issue in India, yet the nation has witnessed advancements in recent years.
“Notified TB cases increased from 18.05 lakh in 2020 to 25.52 lakh in 2023,” stated Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, in a written statement to the Rajya Sabha.
“About 21.69 lakh TB cases have been reported between January and October in 2024,” she continued.
Patel emphasized that the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), under the National Health Mission (NHM), has undertaken considerable measures to achieve a TB-free India.
India's objective is to eliminate TB by 2025, which is five years ahead of the global goal set for 2030.
The rate of incidence for this severe infectious disease and the associated mortality rates have notably decreased.
“The incidence rate of TB in India has experienced a 17.7 percent drop from 237 per 100,000 population in 2015 to 195 per 100,000 population in 2023. TB fatalities have reduced by 21.4 percent from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh population in 2023,” Patel noted.
Additionally, Patel highlighted that crucial efforts and initiatives under the NTEP encompass targeted strategies in high TB burden regions through state and district-specific plans; provision of complimentary medications and diagnostic services to TB patients; and proactive TB case identification through campaigns aimed at vulnerable and co-morbid populations.
The programme has also integrated Ayushman Arogya Mandir with TB screening and treatment services; enhanced private sector participation with incentives for notification and management of TB cases; expanded molecular diagnostic laboratories to sub-district levels; and increased coverage under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana for nutritional support to TB patients, the Minister of State added.
