The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) under the aegis of the National Health Mission (NHM) has implemented a National Strategic Plan with the following objectives:

• Early diagnosis of TB patients, prompt treatment with quality assured drugs and treatment regimens.
• To engage with the patients seeking care in the private sector;
• Active case finding and contact tracing in high risk /vulnerable population;
• Airborne infection control;
• Multi-sectoral response for addressing social determinants.

World Health Organisation’s Global TB report 2024 has reported that India contributed to 26% of global TB burden of cases and death in 2023. The Ministry through Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had conducted a National TB Prevalence Survey in 20 States/group of States to assess burden of TB at sub-national levels. The prevalence of all forms of TB cases for all ages was reported as 312 per lakh population in the country.

Based on the prevalence survey, the program interventions were re-strategized to focus on vulnerable population to reduce TB incidence and mortality. The following interventions/steps have been taken under the programme:

• Targeted interventions in high TB burden areas through state and district Specific Strategic plans.
• Provision of free drugs and diagnostics to TB patients.
• Active TB case-finding through campaigns in key vulnerable and co-morbid populations.
• Integration of Ayushman Arogya Mandir with TB screening and treatment services.
• Private sector engagement with incentives for notification and management of TB cases.
• Scale up of molecular diagnostic laboratories to sub-district levels.
• Expansion of coverage under Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana for nutritional support to TB patients.
• Intensified Information, Education & Communication (IEC) interventions to reduce stigma, enhance community awareness and improve health seeking behaviour.
• Converge efforts and resources of line ministries for TB elimination.
• Provision of TB Preventive Treatment to contacts of TB patients and vulnerable population.
• Track notified TB cases through Ni-kshay portal.
• Provide additional nutritional, diagnostic and vocational support to TB patients and household contacts under Ni-kshya Mitra initiative. 

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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MV

HFW/ Steps taken by the govt under NTEP/06 December 2024/2