Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting with the Ministries of Youth Affairs & Sports, Labour & Employment, and Defence to accelerate the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan through greater inter-ministerial coordination.
Nadda said eliminating tuberculosis requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, urging ministries to expand the participation of MY Bharat volunteers, NCC cadets, workplaces and defence personnel in awareness campaigns, screening drives and patient support initiatives.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya proposed involving medical colleges and nearly eight lakh undergraduate and postgraduate medical students in the campaign, while also strengthening district-level coordination.
According to the Health Ministry, since the launch of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in December 2024, more than 28 crore vulnerable people have been screened, leading to the identification of over 39 lakh TB patients, including 12.93 lakh asymptomatic cases detected through active screening.
The campaign has also enrolled over 5.7 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras, who have distributed 38.9 lakh nutrition baskets to TB patients. More than 20 lakh patients have received personalised support under the programme.
The meeting also discussed introducing a TB-free workplace framework in high-risk sectors and expanding community outreach through educational institutions, youth organisations and defence networks to support India’s goal of eliminating tuberculosis.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
