India’s Determined Path to Tuberculosis Elimination

India has been at the forefront of the global fight against tuberculosis (TB), implementing various strategies to eliminate the disease. Despite significant progress, challenges persist in achieving the World Health Organization’s (WHO) targets for TB elimination.

Historical Context

India’s TB control efforts began in 1962 with the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP), which primarily focused on BCG vaccinations. In 1997, the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) was introduced, adopting the Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) strategy to enhance treatment adherence and success rates. By 2005, the RNTCP achieved nationwide coverage. In 2020, the program was renamed the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) to reflect a more ambitious goal of eliminating TB by 2025.

Current Status and Challenges

Despite these efforts, India continues to account for approximately 27% of the global TB burden, with an incidence rate of 210 per 100,000 population in 2021. The country also faces a high prevalence of drug-resistant TB, including Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) and Extensively Drug Resistant (XDR) TB.

Key Initiatives

Nikshay Poshan Yojana: Launched under the National Health Mission, this scheme provides a financial incentive of ₹500 per month to each notified TB patient for nutritional support during treatment.

Private Sector Engagement: Recognizing the significant role of the private sector in TB care, the NTEP has initiated partnerships to improve treatment adherence and case notification.

Way Forward

To achieve the WHO’s targets, India must address several critical areas:

Enhanced Diagnostics: Implementing AI-assisted handheld radiology and other innovative diagnostic tools can improve early detection and treatment outcomes.

New Therapeutic Agents: Accelerating the development and availability of newer, more effective anti-TB drugs is essential to combat drug-resistant strains.

Public Awareness and Education: Increasing public awareness about TB symptoms, treatment options, and the importance of completing the full course of treatment can reduce stigma and improve adherence.

Summary of the news

Key Point Details
Why in News India aims to eliminate TB by 2025 under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP). Despite progress, India accounts for 27% of the global TB burden, with challenges like drug-resistant TB and diagnostic gaps.
National Program National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), renamed from Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) in 2020.
Target Year India’s goal is to eliminate TB by 2025 (WHO global target: 2030).
Financial Support Scheme Nikshay Poshan Yojana provides ₹500 per month to TB patients for nutritional support.
TB Burden in India (2021) Incidence rate: 210 per 100,000 population. India accounts for 27% of the global TB burden.
Drug-Resistant TB Types Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) and Extensively Drug Resistant (XDR) TB prevalent in India.
Private Sector Role Engaged in improving case notification and treatment adherence under NTEP.
Technological Focus AI-assisted radiology and advanced diagnostic tools to improve TB detection.
Historical Start National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) began in 1962; DOTS strategy introduced in 1997.
Global Context WHO’s global target is to eliminate TB by 2030.
Piyush Shukla

Recent Posts

ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Final, India Lift The World Cup

The Indian U19 women’s cricket team scripted history by securing a dominant nine-wicket victory over South…

13 hours ago

Railway Budget 2025: Key Highlights and Analysis

The Railway Budget 2025 has been announced, with a total allocation of ₹2.65 lakh crore,…

1 day ago

Tax Regime Comparison: Old vs New Tax Regime in Budget 2025

The Union Budget 2025 has introduced revised income tax slabs under the new tax regime,…

1 day ago

Budget Highlights 2025- Read The full Budget Highlights Here

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025-26…

1 day ago

Who is Known as the Father of Philately? Know the Name

Philately is the hobby of collecting and studying postage stamps. It is enjoyed by people…

2 days ago

5 Income Income Tax Relief Measures Announced in Budget 2025 by Nirmala Sitharaman

In the Union Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced several income tax relief measures…

2 days ago