Himachal Pradesh Intensifies TB Eradication Drive with New Campaign
In a significant push towards a tuberculosis-free India, Himachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil (retd) launched the 100-day TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (2.0) during a World TB Day 2026 event in Shimla on Tuesday. The minister underscored the state government's unwavering commitment to eliminating TB, highlighting past achievements and outlining ambitious new targets.
Building on Past Success: A Model for TB Control
Minister Shandil reported that Himachal Pradesh has successfully stabilised TB cases, with numbers now showing a consistent decline. The first phase of the campaign, initiated in December 2024, exceeded expectations by achieving 100% of its screening target. Nearly 14.9 lakh vulnerable individuals were screened, with an impressive 46% undergoing X-ray examinations—the highest rate recorded across the nation.
Furthermore, the TB-Mukt Gram Panchayat initiative has proven highly effective. By 2025, a total of 1,052 panchayats were declared TB-free, with many receiving silver and gold recognition awards for their outstanding efforts in disease prevention and control.
TB-Mukt Bharat 2.0: A Targeted Approach with Advanced Technology
The newly launched second phase of the campaign is set to cover 5,176 high-risk villages and urban wards. It will specifically focus on chronic patients and residents of slum areas, employing a multi-faceted strategy to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Key components of the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 include:
- AI-based handheld X-ray devices for rapid and accurate screening.
- Mobile medical units to reach remote and underserved populations.
- Ayushman Arogya camps to provide accessible healthcare services.
The campaign will also see active participation from Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly, and Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, fostering a collaborative approach to public health.
Promoting Holistic Health: A Mantra for the Youth
In addition to the screening initiatives, Minister Shandil emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare. He encouraged the youth of Himachal Pradesh to adopt the mantra "Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well" as a foundation for a disease-resistant lifestyle. This holistic approach aims to complement medical interventions with healthy living practices, reducing the overall burden of tuberculosis and other ailments.
The launch of TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 marks a critical step in Himachal Pradesh's journey towards becoming a TB-free state, leveraging technology, community engagement, and preventive strategies to safeguard public health.
