New Delhi: HL July 7, 2026
India’s nationwide fight against tuberculosis has gained significant momentum, with more than 28 crore vulnerable individuals screened under the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, leading to the notification of over 39 lakh TB patients, including 12.93 lakh asymptomatic cases detected through proactive screening.
The progress was reviewed at a high-level inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, alongside Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth. The meeting focused on strengthening coordination among ministries to accelerate India’s goal of eliminating tuberculosis through a whole-of-government strategy.
During the meeting, Nadda said the campaign must evolve into a nationwide public movement by involving government institutions, educational campuses, workplaces, community organisations and young volunteers. He stressed that early diagnosis, public awareness, treatment adherence and nutritional support remain the key pillars for eliminating TB from the country.
The Health Minister called for wider participation of MY Bharat volunteers and National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets in awareness drives, screening camps and patient support initiatives. He also proposed integrating TB awareness into NCC training programmes, national celebrations and rural outreach activities to expand the campaign’s reach.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the potential contribution of nearly eight lakh undergraduate and postgraduate medical students, suggesting that medical colleges should play a larger role in TB awareness, screening and patient care. He also proposed involving officers from the Pratibha Setu programme in district-level TB coordination committees to improve planning and monitoring.
Launched in December 2024, the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has focused on active case finding and patient-centred care. According to the Health Ministry, early screening through chest X-rays has helped identify nearly 13 lakh patients without visible symptoms, enabling treatment before the disease could spread further within communities.
The campaign has also strengthened nutritional and social support for patients. More than 5.7 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras have enrolled under the initiative and distributed nearly 39 lakh nutrition baskets to TB patients. Additionally, over 20 lakh patients have received personalised care plans based on their medical and social requirements.
The meeting also discussed expanding TB interventions at workplaces by introducing screening as part of occupational health services, especially in sectors with higher vulnerability such as mining, construction, textiles, transport and among migrant workers. Ministries agreed to work with employers, labour organisations, ESIC and other institutions to improve screening, treatment continuity and worker support.
Participants further resolved to deepen the involvement of defence establishments, NCC units and youth organisations in awareness campaigns, community mobilisation, household contact education and nutritional assistance for TB patients.
Senior officials from the Ministries of Health, Youth Affairs and Sports, Labour and Employment, Defence, National Health Mission and MY Bharat attended the meeting to finalise the collaborative roadmap for accelerating India’s TB elimination efforts.
