Community Efforts Essential in Combating Tuberculosis in India: Anurag Thakur
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Synopsis
Anurag Thakur emphasizes the significance of localized community initiatives in combatting tuberculosis in India, highlighting the TB Mukt Bharat campaign and government efforts to enhance diagnostics and treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Localized initiatives essential for TB combat.
- TB Mukt Bharat and Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana are key programs.
- Financial backing of Rs 4,200 crore for TB elimination.
- Timely diagnosis is critical for treatment success.
- Regional disparities affect treatment outcomes.
New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) Local and community-driven initiatives such as TB Mukt Bharat are vital in tackling the issue of tuberculosis in India, stated Anurag Thakur, BJP MP.
In a media article, he reflected on the nation's path towards eradicating TB -- recognized as the world’s most lethal infection.
“Localized efforts are changing the narrative around TB throughout India, resonating with our national pledge to methodically enhance TB elimination strategies across every state,” he articulated.
Apart from the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the government has also augmented diagnostic capabilities through the enhanced deployment of CBNAAT and TrueNat machines, as well as reinforced treatment protocols, Thakur added.
Moreover, the recent financial allocation of Rs 4,200 crore for the National TB Elimination Programme will further bolster these endeavors.
Another initiative, the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana, is designed to offer nutritional support to TB patients and has so far assisted over 90 lakh TB patients, according to Thakur.
TB remains one of India's most critical public health issues, with disease notification still a major concern as an estimated 15-20 percent of cases go unnoticed.
As per the latest India TB Report, case notifications have surged to 2.5 million in 2024.
Thakur emphasized that “timely diagnosis and ensuring treatment completion” continues to be a hurdle, especially for those in urban slums and rural locales. He praised the nationwide treatment success rate of 86 percent but noted existing regional disparities.
The Parliamentarian also pointed out the economic ramifications of high TB incidence, estimating an annual productivity loss of around Rs 13,000 crore.
“These figures highlight the urgency of our mission and the necessity for ongoing innovation in our TB elimination strategy,” Thakur remarked, underscoring the government’s commitment to eradicate TB by 2025 -- five years ahead of the global target.
He advocated for solutions tailored to regional contexts, suggesting states could launch strategic TB awareness campaigns even during a cricket match.
“By establishing state chapters, each customized to confront local challenges while contributing to the national objective of TB eradication, we respect India's linguistic and cultural diversity while keeping a sharp focus on TB prevention, early diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment,” Thakur concluded.
