Official data reveals Maharashtra reported more than 21.93 lakh new tuberculosis cases between January and December 2025. This figure shows a marginal decrease from the 23.05 lakh cases documented in 2024.
Treatment Outcomes and Mortality
The data indicates a treatment success rate of 88% for TB patients across the state. However, 3.3% of individuals diagnosed with the infection succumbed to the disease.
Reasons Behind High Case Numbers
Health officials attribute the substantial notification figures to extensive outreach by healthcare workers. Improved access to diagnostic facilities and medicines also played a crucial role in identifying more cases.
Among the total 21.93 lakh cases notified, authorities identified 8,102 as multidrug-resistant TB cases. This highlights the ongoing challenge of drug-resistant strains within the state.
District and Municipal Corporation Performance
Several districts exceeded their annual notification targets for TB cases. Thane led with 4,369 cases, followed by Latur at 2,850, Ratnagiri at 2,287, Beed at 2,116, and Sindhudurg at 797.
Among municipal corporations, Navi Mumbai reported the highest number at 6,000 cases. Ulhasnagar followed with 1,800, then Dhule with 1,656, Kolhapur with 1,403, and Ahilyanagar with 783.
Areas Falling Short of Targets
In contrast, some districts did not meet their notification goals. These include Nagpur with 2,898 cases, Raigad with 3,894, Ahilyanagar with 4,546, Sangli with 2,408, and Washim with 1,499.
Poor-performing civic bodies included Nagpur with 7,126 cases, Bhiwandi with 3,891, Kalyan-Dombivli with 3,725, Nashik with 3,149, and Amravati with 1,650. Targets for cities and districts consider multiple factors like population size and disease prevalence.
Expert Analysis on Detection Trends
Dr. Radhakishan Pawar, deputy director of the TB and Leprosy Unit in Maharashtra's health services, explained the current trend. He noted the presumptive TB examination rate has increased sharply since the pandemic.
"Before Covid-19, the rate stood around 900. It has now risen to approximately 3,400," Dr. Pawar stated. "This significant jump indicates improved identification and testing of suspected TB cases across the state."
State Support for Patients
Dr. Pawar added that Maharashtra provides comprehensive free support to TB patients. This includes diagnostic services, medicines, nutritional assistance, and travel aid. Both public and private hospitals participate in this initiative.
Historical Context and Future Data
Maharashtra has consistently reported high TB notifications in recent years. The state recorded 2.30 lakh cases in 2024, 2.33 lakh in 2023, and 2.33 lakh in 2022.
Dr. Pawar mentioned that final figures for 2025 will be released within a week. Delayed entries from the previous year are still being updated in the system.
Health department officials credit aggressive case detection efforts for the higher notification numbers. Their sustained campaigns have brought more patients into the healthcare system for treatment and monitoring.
