Overview
The Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired a review meeting on the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan with the Government of NCT Delhi on 1 July 2026. The discussion focused on strengthening community participation, leveraging technology and improving coordination across all levels of government.
Key Developments
- Minister Nadda emphasized that the fight against TB cannot rely solely on the health system; it requires Jan Bhagidari to bridge the gap between effort and outcome.
- He called for greater involvement of MY Bharat volunteers to mobilise communities and ensure treatment adherence.
- Delhi’s health machinery screened 28.83 lakh people, performed 21.67 lakh chest X‑rays, conducted 3.65 lakh NAAT tests and notified 1.75 lakh TB patients.
- The programme uses AI‑driven vulnerability mapping to focus on 38 high‑risk wards that account for more than 80% of Delhi’s TB burden.
- Additional support will be provided for handheld X‑ray machines integrated with artificial intelligence to improve early detection.
Important Facts
• Screening coverage: 28.83 lakh individuals in Delhi.
• Diagnostic tests: 21.67 lakh chest X‑rays; 3.65 lakh NAAT molecular tests.
• Case notification: 1.75 lakh TB patients identified.
• Targeted areas: 38 wards across 11 districts, representing >80% of the city’s high‑risk burden.
• Human resources: ASHAs, Community Health Officers, laboratory technicians and field teams were credited for the achievements.
Exam Relevance
The meeting illustrates several themes that frequently appear in the UPSC syllabus. It showcases the need for federal‑state coordination (GS2: Polity) in implementing a national health programme. The emphasis on Ni‑kshay Mitra and volunteers highlights the role of civil society and community‑based mechanisms in public‑health delivery. The use of AI‑enabled diagnostics reflects the growing importance of technology in health governance (GS3: Technology). Finally, the data‑driven approach of vulnerability mapping aligns with the UPSC focus on evidence‑based policy making.
Way Forward
- Assign a senior government officer to each ward for continuous monitoring of TB activities.
- Scale up upfront NAAT testing for all presumptive and drug‑resistant cases alongside X‑ray screening.
- Expand Ni‑kshay Mitra and MY Bharat volunteers to provide psychosocial support and improve adherence.
- Strengthen coordination with Resident Welfare Associations, ward committees and elected representatives to ensure a people‑centric implementation.
- Conduct regular joint review meetings involving hospitals, state health authorities and the Ministry to share best practices and address bottlenecks.