Telangana launches TB-free campaign in nine districts

Telangana launches 'TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' with Union Health Ministry to eradicate tuberculosis in nine districts.

The Health Department, in collaboration with the Union Health Ministry, has launched the ‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ to eradicate tuberculosis in nine districts in Telangana.

The 100-day campaign aims to identify through comprehensive screening individuals at risk of contracting TB, said Minister for Health C. Damodar Rajanarasimha. Speaking during a videoconference on Saturday (December 21) with Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, the Minister highlighted the State’s commitment towards the TB-Free India initiative.

The nine districts are Adilabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Medak, Nagarkurnool, Peddapalli, Suryapet and Wanaparthy. To support the initiative, 26 mobile TB testing units equipped with digital X-ray machines and Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) machines have been deployed. The government has ensured the supply of necessary testing cartridges, chips, X-ray tools and drugs for the campaign, the Minister added.

So far, 7,219 individuals have been screened in these districts, with 181 testing positive for TB, Mr. Rajanarasimha informed the Union Health Ministry. He highlighted the role of public awareness and early detection in achieving TB elimination.

Reflecting this approach, the Minister said the State has increased presumptive TB testing. In 2023, 5.74 lakh people were tested, which rose to 7.82 lakh in 2024. Telangana’s treatment success rate for TB stands at 90%, surpassing the national average of 87%.