New Delhi: Tuberculosis (TB) cases in India continue to rise despite ongoing government initiatives and widespread awareness programs, affecting not only urban and semi-urban populations but also tribal communities.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported that over 1.3 crore TB cases have been recorded across the country over the last five years. Minister of State for Health, Anupriya Patel, shared this information in response to a question in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Patel also noted that approximately 1.06 crore individuals have successfully undergone treatment and been cured. The government’s efforts to tackle TB include a series of targeted initiatives aimed at both reducing the disease’s incidence and minimizing its mortality rate.
One major initiative is the National TB Elimination Programme, which operates under the National Health Mission (NHM). Additionally, the government supports TB patients financially through the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, which provides direct benefit transfers of 1,000 rupees per month to help cover nutritional needs during treatment.
According to the 2024 Global TB Report, India has made progress in the fight against TB, with a 17.7% reduction in the incidence rate, dropping from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 195 per lakh in 2023. TB-related deaths also saw a 21.4% decline, from 28 deaths per lakh in 2015 to 22 per lakh in 2023.
These efforts demonstrate the government’s continued commitment to eradicating tuberculosis and improving public health outcomes across the nation. However, the rising number of cases among vulnerable populations, particularly tribal groups, highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and enhanced intervention strategies.
