India has spared no effort in tackling tuberculosis: Union Health Minister

New Delhi, Mar 24, 2026 : Union Health Minister J P Nadda highlighted that from research to innovation and advanced equipment, India has spared no effort in tackling tuberculosis. Addressing the World Tuberculosis Day programme in Greater Noida today, the Health Minister said that, as per WHO reports, India has seen a 21% decline in TB cases, which is double the global decline rate. He noted that India’s TB mortality has declined by 25%, and treatment success rates have reached 92%. Mr Nadda emphasized that the country’s fight against TB is driven by a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach and urged every stakeholder to intensify the fight against the disease. He underlined that the government’s spending on TB eradication has increased tenfold, from 607 crore rupees in 2014 to over 6 thousand crore rupees today. On the occasion of World TB Day today, Mr Nadda launched a hundred-day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan Campaign. He said that through the campaign, India aims to take a decisive leap towards ending tuberculosis, targeting around 1.5 lakh villages and urban wards with vulnerable populations.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel said that India’s sustained efforts towards TB elimination stand as a model for the world. She stressed that according to the World TB Report 2025, India carries the highest burden of tuberculosis in the world, and despite this, the country has confronted the challenge with determination, recognizing TB elimination as a top national priority. She noted that the government has consistently increased budgetary allocations over the past decade to strengthen the resolve of a TB-free India.