President Droupadi Murmu Reaffirms India’s Commitment to End Tuberculosis on World TB Day
On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, President Droupadi Murmu reaffirmed India’s commitment to eliminating Tuberculosis, calling for collective action, increased awareness, and sustained efforts to combat one of the country’s most pressing public health
On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, President Droupadi Murmu reaffirmed India’s commitment to eliminating Tuberculosis, calling for collective action, increased awareness, and sustained efforts to combat one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges.
In her message, the President emphasized that while India has made significant strides in tackling Tuberculosis, the disease continues to pose a major health burden. India accounts for nearly 27% of global TB cases, with an estimated 2.8 million new cases annually, underscoring the urgency of continued intervention and innovation.
Highlighting the government’s proactive approach, Droupadi Murmu acknowledged key initiatives under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), which have strengthened early diagnosis, treatment accessibility, and patient support systems across the country.
Flagship initiatives include:
• Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, providing ₹500 per month nutritional support to TB patients
• Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative, encouraging community participation and patient adoption
• Expansion of molecular diagnostic infrastructure, with over 6,000 CBNAAT/Truenat machines deployed nationwide
• Digital tracking through the Ni-kshay portal, improving treatment adherence and monitoring
The President also highlighted the importance of public awareness, stigma reduction, and early detection, noting that community engagement is critical to achieving India’s ambitious target of eliminating TB by 2025, ahead of global timelines.
Recent progress indicates improved treatment success rates exceeding 85%, alongside enhanced case detection and notification systems. However, challenges such as drug-resistant TB, delayed diagnosis, and social stigma continue to require focused and sustained action.
Calling for a united approach, the President urged healthcare professionals, policymakers, civil society, and citizens to work collaboratively to eliminate TB and ensure that no one is left behind in accessing timely diagnosis and treatment.
The observance of World Tuberculosis Day serves as a reminder of the need to accelerate efforts, leverage innovation, and strengthen healthcare systems to achieve a TB-free India.
