Health Minister Urges West Bengal MPs to Lead TB Elimination Jan Andolan
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Schemes
Why in news
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired a meeting with West Bengal MPs during the Monsoon Session 2026 to accelerate TB elimination efforts. He highlighted India's 21% reduction in TB cases (double the global average) and 92% treatment coverage, calling for community-led Jan Andolan.
Background
India aims to eliminate TB by 2030, aligning with SDG 3. The '100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' was launched in two phases: Phase 1 (Dec 7, 2024 – Mar 24, 2025) in 347 high-priority districts, later expanded nationwide; Phase 2 (from Mar 24, 2026) focuses on 1.58 lakh high-risk villages and urban wards. The government follows a 'Whole-of-Government Approach' with consultations across states.
Key facts
India recorded a 21% decline in TB cases between 2015 and 2024, nearly double the global average of 12% (WHO Global TB Report 2025).
India's TB treatment coverage rate reached 92%, significantly higher than the global average of 78%.
The '100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' Phase 1 covered 347 high-priority districts; Phase 2 targets 1.58 lakh high-risk villages and urban wards.
The meeting was part of a series of consultations with MPs from Haryana, UP, MP, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and other states.
Nadda urged MPs to conduct regular reviews with District Collectors/DMs, promote early detection through Nikshay Shivirs, and reduce stigma.
Indigenous innovations, AI-driven diagnostics, and enhanced support were highlighted as key enablers.
The goal is to achieve TB elimination by 2030, meeting SDG targets.
The initiative emphasizes Jan Bhagidari (people's participation) as a nationwide Jan Andolan.
Prelims pointers
- WHO Global TB Report 2025
- 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Phase 1: Dec 7, 2024 – Mar 24, 2025; Phase 2: from Mar 24, 2026)
- Nikshay Shivirs (TB screening camps)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Whole-of-Government Approach
- PIB release date: 29 JUL 2026
Mains angles
- GS2: Role of political leadership and community participation in public health programs
- GS2: Centre-state coordination and parliamentary engagement in health missions
- GS3: India's progress in TB elimination – comparison with global trends
- GS3: Role of technology (AI, indigenous innovation) in disease surveillance and treatment
- GS3: Challenges in achieving SDG 3.3 (end TB by 2030) – early detection, stigma, high-risk populations