Prashnavachak News
In a major step toward strengthening India’s disease elimination mission and healthcare infrastructure, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda, chaired a high-level meeting with Health Ministers from eight States and Union Territories to assess progress on Tuberculosis (TB) and Measles-Rubella elimination, while also reviewing the utilization of funds under PM-ABHIM and the 15th Finance Commission.
Health Ministers and senior representatives from Puducherry, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jharkhand joined the discussions. Shri Nadda applauded the success of the 100-day Intensified TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, under which 12.97 crore people were screened, leading to the notification of 7.19 lakh TB cases, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic patients. The campaign has now expanded nationwide. Emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and holistic care, the Minister urged states to reduce the TB incidence rate to 47 per lakh population and mortality to below 3 per lakh. He called for increased deployment of NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) for faster and more accurate TB detection and greater participation in nutrition support schemes like Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and Ni-kshay Mitra—areas where uptake remains low in many regions. Shri Nadda highlighted the importance of Jan Bhagidari (community participation) and encouraged states to involve Panchayati Raj institutions, municipalities, and local leaders to enhance awareness and ownership of the TB-Mukt Bharat campaign. States were also advised to re-strategize outreach efforts, particularly in high-burden or vulnerable populations, using mobile x-ray units and grassroots engagement.
On Measles-Rubella elimination, he commended ongoing efforts but stressed the need for improved immunisation coverage, especially in districts yet to be fully covered. Achieving complete elimination requires enhanced vaccination efforts and close monitoring of immunisation drives. Regarding healthcare infrastructure, Shri Nadda issued a strong call to action for timely and effective utilization of funds under the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and the 15th Finance Commission, warning that only one year remains for fund expenditure. He urged states to implement infrastructure upgrades on a war footing. Health Ministers shared achievements, challenges, and best practices during the session. Also present were Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava and senior officials from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
