“Mission TB-Free India,” a decade-long public health campaign initiated in 2015 by Medanta, one of India’s leading multi-super specialty hospitals, has successfully concluded. The campaign, which aimed to revolutionize tuberculosis (TB) detection and treatment, was celebrated at an event attended by Smt. Anupriya Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, alongside esteemed doctors from Medanta.
Launched with a focus on Haryana and parts of Delhi, “Mission TB-Free India” has since expanded into Uttar Pradesh, playing a crucial role in combating TB in these regions. Over the past 10 years, the campaign has achieved remarkable milestones, screening 10 lakh individuals, conducting 80,000 chest X-rays, and diagnosing over 10,000 TB cases. The initiative has notably improved TB detection rates, particularly in remote areas with limited access to healthcare.
Dr. Bornali Datta, Director of the TB Program at Medanta, emphasized the program’s impact, stating, “Our project, ‘Mission TB-Free,’ has significantly advanced TB detection and treatment in Haryana. We’ve seen substantial progress, especially among high-risk groups such as farmers, laborers, and smokers.”
The campaign’s success can be attributed to innovative strategies like deploying a mobile medical unit equipped with digital X-ray technology during its pilot phase in Rewari. This approach led to the detection of 34.4% of smear-negative TB cases that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Supported by national leaders and organizations such as the Central TB Division, USAID, and The Union, the initiative became part of a broader Call to Action for a TB-Free India and was later expanded statewide.
“Mission TB-Free India” stands as a testament to the power of dedicated public health efforts, contributing significantly to the fight against TB in India and setting a precedent for future healthcare initiatives.
Read More: Click Here
