India’s TB Fight Gains Momentum, Says Nadda

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has highlighted India’s progress in tackling tuberculosis (TB), describing the campaign as a nationwide public movement driven by public participation, technological advancements and improved patient care.

Reacting to the World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, Nadda said India has recorded a 38 per cent decline in TB-related deaths since 2015, exceeding the global reduction of 35 per cent. The country has also achieved a treatment success rate of 94 per cent among patients suffering from drug-sensitive TB.

In a social media post, the Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for transforming the TB elimination drive into a Jan Andolan. He said intensified screening under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has reached more than 25 crore people across the country.

As part of the campaign, over 11 crore chest X-rays and nearly 3 crore molecular diagnostic tests have been conducted, leading to the identification of more than 48 lakh TB cases. This includes around 15 lakh cases detected among people who showed no visible symptoms.

Nadda also highlighted the role of AI-based diagnostic technology, nutritional assistance through the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and the contribution of Ni-kshay Mitras in supporting TB patients.

He said the government remains committed to strengthening diagnosis, treatment and nutritional support to ensure that no patient is left behind. With continued public participation and collective efforts, India is working towards achieving the goal of a TB-free nation.