The World Health Organization's Global TB Report 2023 brings forth commendable progress for India in the battle against Tuberculosis (TB). The nation has achieved a remarkable 16% decline in TB incidence since 2015, twice the global rate, and an 18% reduction in TB-related mortality. This significant success is attributed to India's commitment to decentralizing TB care, ensuring quality treatment even in the remotest corners through initiatives like Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.
Political Commitment and National Strategic Plan
India's proactive approach to TB elimination gained momentum with a resounding commitment from the Hon'ble Prime Minister, vowing to make India TB-free by 2025, surpassing global goals. The National Strategic Plan (2017-2025) laid the groundwork for reaching the last mile, implementing patient-centric interventions, and fostering public-private partnerships.
India's engagement with the private healthcare sector has been a cornerstone of its success. Noteworthy is the sevenfold surge in notifications from the private sector since 2014, constituting over 32% of total notifications in 2023. Innovative policies, collaborations, and Patient Provider Support Agency (PPSA) programs have set an exemplary model for other countries, particularly those in the Global South.
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Advancements in Diagnostic Capacity
India's commitment to enhancing diagnostic capabilities is evident in the scaling up of WHO-recommended molecular tests from 651 machines in 2017 to 5,090 in 2022. States like Goa and Lakshadweep have phased out microscopy tests entirely, embracing 100% adoption of molecular tests. This strategic shift highlights the nation's dedication to employing more effective diagnostic technologies in the fight against TB.
Flagship Initiatives and Expanded Care
Initiatives like Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Ni-Kshaya Poshan Yojana showcase India's holistic approach. Community Health Officers actively screen potential TB patients, while the nutrition support program provides crucial monthly aid to TB patients, amounting to around Rs 2,613 crore dispersed to 95 lakh beneficiaries.
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Creating Community Ownership
The TB program has actively worked on creating a Jan Andolan or People’s Movement to end TB, aiming to reduce stigma and enhance awareness. Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA) has mobilized over 1.2 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras, offering additional support to more than 11 lakh patients.
Leveraging Panchayati Raj Institutions
Engaging over 2.6 lakh Panchayat leaders in the TB elimination movement demonstrates India's commitment to leveraging decentralized units for community empowerment. These leaders are crucial in ensuring TB services reach every constituent, working towards creating TB Mukt Panchayats.
Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra
The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, launched on Janjatiya Divas, has become a pivotal tool in reaching the unreached. With 85 lac individuals screened, 1.4 lac new patients linked to Ni-kshay Mitras, and 48,000 new volunteers, the Yatra has proven instrumental in extending TB services.
Bottomline
India's journey towards a TB-free nation is challenging but promising. Strong leadership, strategic planning, global collaboration, and community engagement are steering the nation towards triumph in public health. As the transformative era in healthcare dawns, India's commitment to becoming TB-free not only stands within reach but also sets an inspiring example for the global community.