NITI Aayog Discusses TB: The Way Forward Strategy for a Tuberculosis-Free India

New Delhi, August 20: NITI Aayog organized a high-level brainstorming session on Wednesday titled ‘TB: The Way Forward.’ The aim was to develop strategies and suggestions to achieve the goal of a tuberculosis-free India in a timely manner.

According to information shared on NITI Aayog’s official social media platform, X, the session was co-chaired by NITI Aayog member Prof. M. Srinivasan, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Punya Salila Srivastava, and Secretary of the Health Research Department and Director General of ICMR Dr. Rajiv Bahl.

During the session, Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Managing Director of the National Health Mission, provided a detailed overview of the current status and progress of the National TB Program. Insights from the Central TB Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guided the discussions.

Dr. Urvashi B. Singh from AIIMS New Delhi coordinated the session, which included health experts, researchers, and policymakers from across the country. The discussions focused on seven key areas: screening, diagnostics, treatment, prevention, nutrition, social security, and technology.

Experts emphasized the need to accelerate screening for early TB detection, adopt new and accurate diagnostic tools, and simplify treatment processes. They also discussed providing nutritional support to patients, preventing social stigma, and ensuring that government schemes reach patients directly.

The session also addressed the use of digital monitoring, data analytics, and AI-based tools to track TB cases. Experts believe that technology can improve medication adherence and follow-up for patients. Awareness campaigns, testing in crowded areas, and special attention to high-risk groups were highlighted as essential for prevention.

The main objective of this brainstorming session by NITI Aayog is to expedite TB control programs. Suggestions made during the session will be compiled and shared with central and state governments to facilitate necessary policy changes.