Punjab ranks second nationally in TB elimination campaign

Punjab has secured the second position nationally in the 100-Day Intensified TB Elimination Campaign—“TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan,” as announced by the Government of India on World TB Day.

The state’s efforts in screening, detecting, and treating TB cases were recognized at a ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where State TB Officer Dr. Rajesh Bhaskar received a certificate of achievement from Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda.

Launched on December 7, 2024, by Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh in Amritsar, the campaign aimed to accelerate TB elimination through intensified screening, early diagnosis, and improved care for vulnerable populations.

Dr. Balbir Singh highlighted that during the 100-day drive, health teams across Punjab screened approximately 28 lakh high-risk individuals, identifying 17,300 TB patients who were provided with timely treatment and nutritional support. He added that the campaign also emphasized preventive measures, including TB preventive therapy for contacts and at-risk groups to curb new infections.

He credited the achievement to the dedication of frontline health workers.

Punjab’s success was evaluated based on multiple performance indicators, including case detection rates, reduction in TB-related deaths, and coverage of preventive treatment.