In a move to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) in the country, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Saturday launched a 100-day intensive nationwide campaign from Haryana’s Panchkula district.
Focused on increasing detection, reducing delays in diagnosis and improving treatment outcomes, the campaign will be implemented in 347 districts in 33 high-prevalence states.
Nadda said India’s TB incidence rate has doubled since 2015 and is ahead of the global average.
Appreciating Haryana’s continued focus and efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, Nadda said, “Due to dedicated efforts by the present state government, the number of medical colleges in Haryana has increased from six in 2014 to 15 today. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, Haryana will have one such medical college in each district. aims to establish colleges.MBBS seats also increased from 650 to 2,185 in 2014, while postgraduate seats increased from 243 to 889 in Haryana.
“India had only six AIIMS in 2014, compared to 22 today, with one under construction at Rewari in Haryana. Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, 1.22 crore Ayushman cards have been issued in Haryana, with 18.5 lakh hospital admissions. Haryana has provided free services to the underprivileged under the scheme. It has spent Rs 2,700 crore to provide healthcare, which is a commendable achievement,” Nadda said.
“The central government provides free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh to senior citizens above 70 years of age under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Haryana has issued 70,000 Vay Vandana cards as part of this initiative. Newborn screening has increased from 63 to 85 per cent, while institutional deliveries have increased from 80 to 94 per cent. 6. Comprehensive immunization has improved from 79 to 92. Before achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 “This campaign has been launched today with new energy and momentum,” Nadda said.
Haryana CM Naib Singh Saini said, “The government is working on the 4Ts – test, track, treat and technology – to treat TB. In the last 10 years, intensive testing has helped identify new TB patients and provided free treatment. Working with NGOs and civil society to further strengthen eradication efforts, Haryana Government is providing more advanced technology to eradicate TB…”