Renewed strategy: screen, test, treat
The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), implemented under the National Health Mission, now emphasises early detection through targeted screening of vulnerable populations and chest X-ray campaigns. All presumptive TB cases are being offered upfront Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), a molecular diagnostic that improves detection of drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB.
Health authorities say faster diagnosis paired with prompt treatment initiation and differentiated care for high-risk groups reduces mortality and limits onward transmission in communities.
Nutrition as a pillar of TB care
Recognising the strong link between nutrition and TB outcomes, the government doubled the monthly Ni-kshay Poshan cash support from ₹500 to ₹1,000 per patient from November 1, 2024. Since April 2018, Ni-kshay Poshan has disbursed approximately ₹4,322 crore to 1.35 crore TB patients to support dietary needs during treatment.
Complementing cash transfers, the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative has delivered 45.66 lakh food baskets to about 20.3 lakh patients since 2022, providing immediate food relief and improving treatment adherence.
Community engagement and preventive care
TB Mukt Bharat places community participation at its core. The programme uses the Ni-kshay portal to track patient data and supports Jan Bhagidari activities involving schools, Panchayati Raj institutions, self-help groups, Anganwadis and civil society. Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) is deployed to strengthen primary care links and facilitate community screening and follow-up.
Household contact tracing and preventive therapy for eligible contacts form another key pillar aimed at cutting the chain of infection at household and community levels.
IEC, awareness and capacity building
Intensive information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns are underway to raise awareness about TB symptoms, reduce stigma and nudge early health-seeking behaviour. Training for frontline workers, diagnostic technicians and treatment supporters aims to improve local capacity for screening, NAAT testing, and patient support.
Impact figures and government accountability
Officials reported to the Rajya Sabha that Ni-kshay Poshan payments and food-basket distributions have reached millions of beneficiaries, providing both short-term nutrition relief and long-term support for treatment completion. The government uses digital tracking via Ni-kshay to ensure funds reach eligible patients and to monitor programme performance.
Challenges and next steps
Experts say sustained gains require high coverage of screening and diagnostics, uninterrupted nutrition support, and stronger social protection for vulnerable patients. Ensuring availability of NAAT machines, expanding chest X-ray access in remote districts, and maintaining robust supply chains for treatment remain operational priorities.
Looking ahead, authorities plan to scale up community outreach, strengthen inter-sectoral collaboration and use data from Ni-kshay to fine-tune interventions for harder-to-reach populations.
