TB Mukt Bharat Initiative Screens 5.63 Crore Individuals, Reports 1.59 Lakh New TB Cases: Nadda
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Synopsis
The Mukt Bharat campaign has screened over 5.63 crore individuals and identified 1.59 lakh new tuberculosis cases, with an emphasis on eradicating TB five years ahead of the global target.
Key Takeaways
- 5.63 crore individuals screened
- 1.59 lakh new TB cases reported
- Focus on 347 priority districts
- Special outreach camps for vulnerable populations
- Decentralized TB services for equitable access
New Delhi, Feb 7 (NationPress) The health ministry's 100-day intensified initiative on tuberculosis, Mukt Bharat, has successfully screened 5.63 crore at-risk individuals and reported 1.59 lakh new TB cases from 347 districts, as revealed by Union Health Minister JP Nadda during a parliamentary session on Friday.
This robust 100-day initiative commenced on December 7, 2024, and is set to continue until March 24, with the goal of eradicating TB this year—five years ahead of the global deadline. The campaign is focused on 347 high-priority districts across 33 States/UTs.
“Since the launch of the 100-day TB elimination campaign in these 347 districts, 4.94 lakh Ni-kshay shivirs (screening camps) have been conducted, screening 5.63 crore vulnerable individuals and notifying 1.59 lakh new TB patients,” Nadda stated in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
He also noted that 86,748 new Ni-kshay Mitras have been registered, and 1.12 lakh food baskets have been distributed to TB patients and their families.
Ni-kshay Mitras can consist of individuals, NGOs, cooperative societies, faith-based organizations, corporate entities, political parties, and others. A Mitra can support at least one consenting TB patient undergoing treatment for a minimum duration of six months.
Additionally, the Union Health Minister mentioned that 38 of the campaign districts are tribal, 27 are mining areas, and 46 are designated aspirational districts.
“This campaign employs a renewed strategy to identify missing TB cases, decrease TB-related fatalities, and prevent the emergence of new cases,” he elaborated.
Nadda emphasized that the government has organized special outreach camps to screen at-risk populations and provide X-ray and Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) services, either through mobile medical units or by directing individuals to the nearest health facilities equipped with X-ray technology. All TB-related services have been decentralized to the level of Ayushman Arogya Mandir to ensure equitable access, Nadda stated.
Campaign-specific educational materials have been created and distributed to inform the public and raise awareness about TB symptoms, prevention, and the necessity of timely treatment across campaign states and UTs, including Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
The Jan Bhaghidari activities involve schools, Panchayati Raj institutions, self-help groups, Anganwadi, local NGOs, and civil society organizations, with 22 line departments being informed to actively assist in the implementation of campaign activities.
Moreover, the ministry has briefed MPs, CMs, and state health ministers about the campaign, Nadda added.
“The 100 Days TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in priority districts is entirely aligned with long-term TB elimination strategies that emphasize prevention, early detection, swift treatment, and reducing TB-related mortality,” Nadda remarked.
Long-term strategies for TB elimination encompass mapping at-risk populations, utilizing high-sensitivity tools such as chest X-rays, conducting upfront NAAT tests for all suspected TB cases, and providing differentiated TB care for managing high-risk cases.
