Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda interacted with Members of Parliament from Gujarat yesterday on advancing efforts towards a TB-Mukt Bharat.
In a social media post, Mr Nadda said they discussed how stronger community engagement, improved outreach, and consistent follow-up can accelerate the nation’s fight against tuberculosis.
During the meeting in New Delhi, the MPs pledged to intensify community action, expand awareness initiatives, and closely monitor progress, giving fresh momentum to Gujarat’s leadership in TB elimination and contributing to the national goal.
The session witnessed the presence of Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Bambhaniya and MPs from both the Houses representing Gujarat.
Nadda, according to a statement, highlighted India’s progress in the fight against tuberculosis under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He noted that the country has achieved an approximate 21 per cent reduction in TB incidence between 2015 and 2024, along with a treatment success rate of nearly 90 per cent, surpassing global averages as reflected in recent WHO assessments.
The minister said that Gujarat, owing to its strong health systems, rapid adoption of innovations, and robust programme ownership, has the potential to emerge as a leading state in implementing the next-generation TB elimination strategies.
Calling upon the lawmakers to anchor constituency-level interventions, Nadda suggested a slew of measures, such as regular constituency scorecard reviews of TB indicators, and strengthening of TB reviews through District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meetings.
Nadda urged the MPs to undertake efforts to counter stigma and motivate people to seek early testing and treatment.
The minister encouraged setting up constituency-level Ni-kshay Shivirs and expansion of the Ni-kshay Mitra network to ensure TB patients get nutrition, counselling, and welfare.