New Delhi: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda interacted with Members of Parliament from Jharkhand and Odisha during the Monsoon Session of Parliament as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to accelerate the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The interaction focused on strengthening political and community participation, improving last-mile healthcare delivery and ensuring that vulnerable populations are identified and connected with timely TB diagnosis and treatment.
The meeting was held under the theme “Parliamentarians Championing a TB Mukt Bharat”, highlighting the role of elected representatives in supporting tuberculosis elimination efforts at the grassroots level.
Focus on the 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Campaign
The discussion reviewed the progress of the intensified 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, with the second phase beginning on March 24, 2026. The campaign focused on active case finding and targeted screening among vulnerable populations across high-risk villages, urban wards and other settings.
According to the details shared during the interaction, more than 2.2 crore vulnerable individuals were screened, while over 7 lakh new TB cases were detected. The campaign also identified nearly 1.97 lakh asymptomatic TB cases, highlighting the importance of proactive screening in finding cases that may otherwise remain undiagnosed.
The government's wider campaign has also focused on expanding screening through Ayushman Arogya Shivirs and improving access to diagnostic services in underserved communities.
India Reports Progress in TB Control
India has made measurable progress in its fight against tuberculosis. According to figures discussed during the programme, TB incidence in the country declined by 21% between 2015 and 2024, while the treatment success rate reached 92%, based on the WHO Global TB Report 2025.
The government has increasingly focused on early detection, treatment completion and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations to reduce TB transmission and mortality.
Technology has emerged as another important component of the national TB elimination strategy. India has expanded its molecular testing capacity to more than 9,000 machines, compared with only a few hundred a decade ago. In addition, nearly 3,000 AI-enabled handheld X-ray units are being used to support active case finding and screening in communities.
The government has previously highlighted the rapid expansion of X-ray screening and the role of handheld technology in taking TB detection closer to high-risk populations.
Jharkhand and Odisha Among Key Focus Areas
The interaction particularly highlighted the challenges faced by Jharkhand and Odisha, where certain population groups and occupational settings can increase vulnerability to tuberculosis.
Mining and industrial areas, occupational dust exposure, migrant and tribal populations, malnutrition, urban slums, comorbidities, tobacco and alcohol use, and informal labour settlements were identified as important risk factors requiring targeted intervention.
Both states have therefore been using community-level screening and healthcare initiatives to improve early identification and access to TB services.
TB Screening Efforts in Jharkhand
During the 100-Day campaign, Jharkhand notified 16,754 TB patients, including 4,574 asymptomatic cases.
The state's screening efforts have focused on reaching vulnerable populations and improving access to diagnosis, particularly in areas where occupational and socioeconomic factors can increase TB risk.
Odisha Reports More Than 15,000 TB Notifications
In Odisha, the campaign resulted in the notification of 15,268 TB patients, including 3,514 asymptomatic cases.
The state has also been strengthening screening through community-level healthcare interventions, particularly among vulnerable groups in urban slums, migrant settlements, construction sites and mining areas.
Ayushman Arogya Shivirs Strengthen Last-Mile Screening
A key component of the campaign has been the use of Ayushman Arogya Shivirs to take healthcare and TB screening services closer to communities.
These initiatives have helped target populations that may face difficulties accessing conventional healthcare facilities, including people living in urban slums, migrant clusters, construction sites and mining areas.
The approach reflects the government's broader focus on last-mile healthcare delivery and early identification of TB cases.
Nadda Calls for Greater Role of Parliamentarians
During the interaction, Nadda urged MPs to play an active role in strengthening TB elimination activities within their constituencies.
Parliamentarians were encouraged to work closely with District Collectors and health facilities, monitor the availability and quality of TB services, and promote early diagnosis and treatment.
Nadda also emphasised that eliminating tuberculosis requires sustained public participation and must develop into a “Jan Andolan”, with communities, public representatives and healthcare systems working together.
MPs Commit to Community Mobilisation
MPs from Jharkhand and Odisha expressed their commitment to strengthening TB awareness and reducing stigma associated with the disease.
They also supported greater use of Ni-kshay Shivirs, district- and block-level supervision and community mobilisation to improve TB detection and treatment outcomes.
The discussions further highlighted the importance of providing people affected by TB with nutritional, psychosocial and livelihood support, alongside medical treatment.
A Collective Push Towards TB Mukt Bharat
The interaction with MPs from Jharkhand and Odisha is part of a broader government effort to involve elected representatives in India's TB elimination programme.
With increased screening, advanced diagnostic technologies, targeted interventions and stronger community participation, the government is seeking to ensure that missing TB cases are identified early and patients receive timely treatment and support.
The emphasis on parliamentary and community engagement also underlines that TB elimination is not solely a healthcare-sector responsibility. Sustained cooperation among governments, healthcare professionals, public representatives and communities will remain important in India's efforts to achieve a TB Mukt Bharat.
