India has taken a significant lead in the global fight against tuberculosis (TB), with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reporting a dramatic reduction in missing TB cases—from 15 lakh in 2015 to just 2.5 lakh in 2023. The country has also witnessed a 17.7% decline in TB incidence rates and a 21.4% drop in TB-related deaths since 2015. However, despite this progress, the increasing number of TB and multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases in Jammu has emerged as a serious cause for concern.
At the Innovation Summit on Tuberculosis, India showcased its advancements in TB detection and treatment, reinforcing its position as a global leader in TB eradication. Among the key innovations:
- AI-powered DeepCXR system, developed with the Institute of Plasma Research, Ahmedabad, to enable rapid chest X-ray interpretation for early TB detection.
- CyTb skin test, developed by the Serum Institute of India, offering a cost-effective alternative to IGRA tests for detecting latent TB infections.
- PathoDetectTM molecular diagnostic test, allowing simultaneous detection of TB and drug resistance, improving early diagnosis.
- Handheld X-ray devices, validated by ICMR, offering portability, reduced radiation exposure, and better screening capabilities.
- Quantiplus MTB FAST Detection Kit, an RT-PCR-based open system kit, leveraging India’s 3,300+ RT-PCR machines from the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance TB testing capacity.
Additionally, shorter and more effective treatment regimens have been introduced under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). The use of Bedaquiline-containing regimens has increased drug-resistant TB treatment success rates from 68% in 2020 to 75% in 2022. Meanwhile, the newly introduced mBPaL regimen (Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid) has shown 80% efficacy in treating MDR-TB while reducing treatment duration to six months.
To support TB patients, the government has also enhanced financial aid under Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, increasing assistance to Rs 1,000 per month from November 1, 2024. Additionally, over 2.81 lakh volunteers under the Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative are providing food and essential aid to TB patients.
TB Cases Surge in Jammu: A “Real Cause of Concern”
Despite national progress, Jammu is witnessing a worrying rise in TB cases, prompting Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to call the situation a “real cause of concern.”As part of the ‘TB Mukt’ campaign, authorities screened over 6 lakh individuals through 4,817 camps, referring over 3 lakh for further X-ray screening. Additionally, 29,000 NAAT tests conducted this year led to the detection of 270 new TB cases.
Reviewing the campaign’s progress, Dulloo emphasized the need for an aggressive, well-structured strategy to combat the rising cases. He directed the health department to conduct an internal audit to assess district-wise disease burden and optimize medical resources, particularly in high-burden areas.
The Jammu and Kashmir health department has launched new initiatives to strengthen TB diagnosis and treatment:
- Procurement of eight handheld X-ray machines via the National Health Mission (NHM), with 100 more planned in the next two years.
- Expert panel of pulmonologists to study disease trends and identify healthcare gaps.
- Operationalization of the Intermediary Reference Lab (IRL) in Jammu after a decade, equipping it with advanced diagnostic tools like PCR thermocyclers, twin incubators, and GT blots.
Additionally, public awareness campaigns have been intensified, with over 53 lakh awareness messages sent to Jammu & Kashmir Bank customers and 1,138 screening camps organized in collaboration with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under JKRLM.
ICMR officials emphasized that affordability, scalability, and integration of these new innovations into the healthcare system are critical for sustaining TB elimination efforts.
“The scale and diversity of India’s TB response are unmatched,” said Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare. “By combining scientific innovation with grassroots mobilization, India is setting an example for the world.”
While India is at the forefront of TB eradication, experts caution that pockets of high disease incidence, like Jammu, require urgent intervention. With global collaboration and sustained commitment, India aims to achieve its goal of complete TB elimination, but the fight is far from over.