India’s TB Gains Among the World’s Best; MPs Key to Last-Mile Impact, Says Union Health Minister

Jagat Prakash Nadda today convened a focused interaction with Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu to strengthen the State’s contribution to India’s tuberculosis (TB) elimination efforts under the initiative “Parliamentarians Championing a TB-Mukt Bharat.” The meeting underscored the critical role of elected representatives in driving community-level action, reducing stigma, and ensuring early detection and timely treatment of TB. The interaction held at the Extended Parliament House Annexe (EPHA) on the sidelines of the Winter Session is part of a sustained series of briefings with parliamentarians from different states aimed at strengthening collective leadership in India’s fight against tuberculosis. Shri Nadda met MPs from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat earlier last week.

The meeting was also attended by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Smt. Anupriya Patel. Welcoming the MPs and senior officials, Shri Nadda reiterated that TB remains one of the world’s most pressing public health challenges. He noted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has emerged as a global frontrunner in the fight against TB through sustained political commitment, scientific innovation, and strong community participation.

Highlighting India’s progress, the Union Health Minister stated that TB incidence in the country has declined by 21 per cent, from 237 to 187 cases per lakh population between 2015 and 2024, nearly double the global average decline of around 12 per cent. TB mortality has reduced by about 25 per cent, while treatment coverage has crossed 92 per cent, surpassing global benchmarks. He emphasised that these achievements are the result of a comprehensive strategy centred on early case detection, upfront NAAT testing among vulnerable populations and in congregate settings, and sustained Jan Bhagidari, which has transformed the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan into a true people’s movement.