New Delhi: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, convened a high-level meeting with Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, and State Health Ministers via video conference today to discuss the ongoing 100-day Intensified TB Elimination Campaign. The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, also participated virtually in the discussion.
The meeting provided an overview of the campaign’s objectives, key activities, and the critical role states and Union Territories (UTs) play in ensuring its success. State Ministers, including Yogi Adityanath (UP), Dr. Mohan Yadav (MP), Bhupendra Patel (Gujarat), and others, expressed their commitment to support the campaign through strategic actions.
Nadda emphasized the need for a coordinated effort at both political and administrative levels to monitor and implement the campaign effectively. He urged the involvement of other ministries and departments, similar to the approach taken at the national level, to ensure a whole-of-government strategy. Additionally, the inclusion of elected representatives, Members of Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies like Panchayati Raj Institutions was highlighted as crucial for community mobilization.
Nadda noted the remarkable progress made in reducing TB incidence in India, with a rate of decline doubling from 8.3% in 2015 to 17.7%. Furthermore, TB-related deaths have significantly reduced by 21.4% over the past decade. He credited the states for these achievements and stressed the importance of test, track, and diagnostics for active TB screening and diagnosis.
State Ministers showcased their innovative approaches, including Madhya Pradesh’s Jan Jagrukta Abhiyan, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh’s advancements in TB testing and screening, and various community mobilization initiatives. Chief Ministers and Health Ministers shared their experiences and pledged further support toward eliminating TB.
The meeting highlighted the need for community-driven approaches to TB eradication. Over 80,000 Ni-kshay Shivirs will be organized to monitor progress and mobilize communities for collective action. The campaign also aims to involve individuals, NGOs, corporates, and community leaders as Ni-kshay Mitras to provide support for TB patients through nutritional and medical assistance.
Additionally, the Union Minister announced that states now possess nearly a two-month stock of TB medicines, with plans underway to ensure an advance stock of at least six months. Nadda encouraged state governments to continue promoting the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and participate in regular Gram Sabhas to enhance community awareness and uptake of essential TB services.
The session concluded with an overview of the 100-day campaign, which aims to reduce TB incidence and mortality in 347 priority districts through intensified screening, advanced diagnostic technologies, and access to specialized care for high-risk patients.
