TB Mukt Bharat campaign entered a critical new phase following its launch by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda. This intensified 100-day initiative aims to accelerate India’s progress toward eliminating tuberculosis. Specifically, the program targets 1.58 lakh villages and urban wards across the country. Consequently, the government will use granular micro-plans to ensure precise implementation and measurable health outcomes.

Strategy of the TB Mukt Bharat Campaign

The campaign prioritizes vulnerable populations, including tribal communities, the urban poor, and migrant groups. Furthermore, the initiative bridges last-mile gaps in healthcare delivery. India has already achieved a 21% reduction in TB incidence over the past decade. Therefore, this phase focuses on early detection to maintain this momentum. Additionally, officials highlighted that nearly 50% of TB patients do not present typical symptoms. However, current protocols now address this challenge through comprehensive screening.

Innovations in Diagnostics and Treatment

To address asymptomatic cases, the program has shifted toward symptom-agnostic screening. Specifically, healthcare workers utilize portable X-rays and AI-enabled diagnostics. The campaign has already screened over 20 crore individuals since December 2024. Consequently, this effort detected 32.65 lakh patients, including 10.9 lakh asymptomatic individuals. Moreover, the BPaLM regimen now reduces treatment for drug-resistant TB from 20 months to just six months. Thus, patient adherence is expected to improve significantly across all states.

Digital Tools and Community Participation

Minister Nadda also launched the TB Mukt Bharat App during the national event. This platform features "Khushi," an AI-enabled chatbot that provides real-time guidance on symptoms and diagnostic facilities. Furthermore, the movement has transitioned from a government approach to a whole-of-society movement. Government funding has grown significantly, reaching Rs 6,356 crore in 2025-26. Consequently, these resources drive advancements in research and social support. Community support remains vital to reducing stigma and ensuring treatment completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the primary focus of the new 100-day TB Mukt Bharat campaign?

The campaign focuses on intensified screening in 1.58 lakh villages and urban wards. It specifically targets vulnerable groups and uses advanced diagnostics like AI-enabled X-rays to detect asymptomatic cases early.

Q2: How has the treatment for drug-resistant TB changed under this initiative?

India has adopted the BPaLM regimen for drug-resistant tuberculosis. This innovative protocol significantly reduces the treatment duration from 20 months to only six months, which helps in better clinical outcomes and adherence.

Q3: What digital tools were introduced to support TB elimination?

The government launched the TB Mukt Bharat App, which includes a multilingual AI chatbot named Khushi. This tool helps patients find diagnostic facilities and understand their entitlements in real-time.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or replace professional judgment. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. Nadda launches next phase of focused, intensified 100-day TB Mukt Bharatcampaign - ETHealthworld


2. National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) Annual Report 2025-26, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India.


3. World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2025.