World TB Day 2025 Summit: Nadda highlights screening of 12.97 crore,

World TB Day 2025 Summit: Nadda highlights screening of 12.97 crore,

7.19 lakh TB patients identified in 100-day campaign

Union Health Minister JP Nadda inaugurated the World TB Day 2025 Summit in Delhi on Monday, reaffirming India’s commitment to a TB-Mukt Bharat. He emphasized the nation’s comprehensive approach to TB elimination, driven by a “whole of society” and “whole of government” strategy. The summit, themed “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” highlighted significant progress in TB elimination through joint efforts from communities and the government, according to an official statement from the Ministry.

During the event, the Union Health Minister reflected on the success of the 100-Day Intensified TB Elimination Campaign, which led to the screening of 12.97 crore people and the detection of over 7.19 lakh TB cases, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic patients. Nadda announced the nationwide expansion of the campaign, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as handheld X-ray units and Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) to enhance screening efforts, especially in remote and underserved areas.

Over 13.46 lakh Nikshay Shivirs (community screening and awareness camps) were organized to bring essential TB services directly to the doorsteps of millions. The campaign was supported by 22 line ministries, more than 30,000 elected representatives, and grassroots leaders, demonstrating the collective mission to eradicate TB from India.

The Union Minister also commended the role of modern technology, such as AI-supported handheld X-ray machines and indigenous diagnostic kits developed by ICMR, which have improved the efficiency of TB detection. He noted that India continues to lead in global TB research efforts, adapting innovations from the COVID-19 pandemic to the fight against TB.

Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary, emphasized the need for sustained efforts to eliminate TB, reiterating the importance of World TB Day in assessing progress and setting future goals.

During the summit, a digital Coffee Table Book documenting the achievements of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched, along with a “Guidance Document on Differentiated TB Care,” providing guidelines for the treatment of high-risk patients. Several State and Union Territories were awarded for their exemplary performance during the 100-Day Intensified TB Elimination Campaign and the TB Mukt Gram Panchayat Initiative.

The event witnessed the participation of senior officials from the Union Health Ministry, NTEP staff, TB Champions, and various development partners, reflecting a united commitment to eliminating TB in India.