Haryana Surpasses Tuberculosis Detection Targets with Enhanced Testing and Diagnostics
In a significant public health achievement, Haryana has dramatically improved its tuberculosis (TB) detection capabilities over the past year, driven by expanded testing and diagnostic capacity. According to data reviewed at a recent health department meeting, the state notified 98% of its annual TB target for 2025, surpassing key sputum testing benchmarks. This milestone indicates that Haryana successfully identified and formally registered nearly all the TB cases it was projected to detect, with a target of 90,500 cases for the year.
Robust Testing and Surveillance Systems Yield Results
Between January and December 2025, Haryana conducted an impressive 12.52 lakh sputum tests, exceeding the target of 9.75 lakh. This translates to 3,848 tests per lakh population, a clear indicator of strengthened surveillance systems across the state. Officials emphasized that the rise in case notifications—totaling 88,689 TB cases in 2025—reflects improved detection and reporting mechanisms rather than a sudden increase in disease burden. TB notifications in Haryana increased by 2,518 cases in 2025, marking a 2.92% rise over 2024. In the previous year, notifications had surged by 8.86%, climbing from 79,160 cases in 2023 to 86,171 cases in 2024.
The enhanced testing base has effectively reduced underreporting, particularly in high-burden areas and previously underserved communities. This progress is part of a broader shift in strategy, as highlighted by Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Sumita Misra. She noted that the TB programme is evolving from a detection-centric approach to a more holistic model. "The focus is moving towards continuity of care, digital tracking, and post-treatment rehabilitation, even as early diagnosis remains uneven across districts," Misra stated.
Private Sector Involvement and Ongoing Challenges
One of the key gains in Haryana's TB efforts came from the private sector, where notification exceeded 105% of the annual target. This marks a notable improvement in reporting from private hospitals, which have historically been a weak link in India's TB surveillance system. However, officials acknowledged that higher notification rates do not necessarily imply timely diagnosis. Migrant workers, low-income urban communities, and remote rural populations often seek care late, leading to delays in confirmation and treatment initiation.
Districts such as Karnal, Hisar, and Ambala reported declines in TB cases, with Ambala showing a 7.31% drop. These trends have prompted internal reviews to determine whether they reflect true epidemiological changes or potential surveillance gaps. On the diagnostics front, Haryana exceeded its rapid molecular testing target, achieving 80% coverage against a 70% benchmark. Treatment outcomes remained strong, with the state recording a 90% treatment success rate in 2024, alongside 98% HIV testing and 96% diabetes screening among TB patients. Universal drug susceptibility testing reached 90% of confirmed cases.
Infrastructure and Initiatives for TB Elimination
Haryana currently operates an extensive network of TB facilities, including 23 district TB centres, 168 TB units, 452 microscopy centres, multiple CBNAAT and Truenat machines, and two C&DST labs. Beyond surveillance, the state has launched initiatives aimed at accelerating progress toward the national goal of eliminating TB by 2025. In 2022, the health department introduced an 'adoption model,' encouraging corporates and private hospitals to support TB patients and bridge care gaps.
According to the national TB prevalence survey (2019–2021), Haryana ranks fourth nationally in TB prevalence, with 465 cases per lakh population. To strengthen last-mile detection, the state launched the 100-day National Nikshay TB Elimination Campaign in December 2024. This campaign focuses on comprehensive testing, tracking, treatment, and technology to reduce diagnostic delays and improve outcomes, particularly among high-risk groups.
