Over the past decade, India has made significant strides in combating tuberculosis (TB), particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Historically, India was heavily reliant on foreign countries for TB medicines, leading to limited access and high costs for patients. However, under PM Modi's administration, there has been a concerted effort to make low-cost generic medicines more widely available, reducing the financial burden on TB patients and improving access to essential treatment.
Low-Cost Generic Medicines: A Game Changer
One of the most notable changes in India's approach to TB under PM Modi has been the emphasis on low-cost generic medicines. This shift has significantly reduced the financial burden on TB patients and improved access to essential treatment. By promoting the local production of generic TB drugs, India has been able to ensure a stable supply of high-quality medications at a fraction of the previous cost.
Screening Initiatives: Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and TB Ni-kshay Movement
The government has also implemented innovative screening initiatives to identify and treat TB cases more effectively. The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and TB Ni-kshay Movement are two such programs that have played a crucial role in expanding the reach of TB screening and treatment services. These initiatives have focused on early detection, ensuring that patients receive prompt care and support.
Today over 1 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras have registered with a commitment to over 10 lakh TB patients. With efforts like these, the overall notification of TB cases has improved by 64% over the last 9 years. India notified 24.2 lakh TB cases in 2022 which was higher than the pre-COVID level of 2019.
In fact the treatment success rate has sustained above 80% over the last 9 years. In 2021, the success rate had reached 84%, reaching 86.3% in 2023.
International Data and Impact
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India has the highest burden of TB in the world. However, the country has demonstrated a commitment to addressing this challenge, with a notable decline in reported TB cases in recent years. Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, India has shown improvements in TB mortality rates, reflecting the effectiveness of its strategies and interventions.
India's approach to tackling TB has undergone a significant transformation in the last decade, particularly under the leadership of PM Modi. The emphasis on low-cost generic medicines, coupled with innovative screening initiatives, has contributed to improved access to treatment and better outcomes for TB patients. While challenges remain, India's progress in this area serves as a testament to the impact of strategic policy decisions and sustained public health efforts.
The prevalence of tuberculosis infection in India has been a significant concern, with an estimated 31% tuberculosis infection (TBI) burden among individuals above 15 years. Additionally, the National Prevalence Survey of India (2019-2021) recorded a crude TBI prevalence of 31%. Furthermore, India has the highest burden of TB in the world, with an estimated TB incidence of 2.77 million in 2022. Despite these challenges, India has demonstrated a commitment to ending TB by 2025, way ahead of the global targets.
The Government of India has published annual TB reports, providing data on the state and national prevalence, outcomes, and drug resistance. These reports are part of the National Tuberculosis Elimination initiative, which aims to end TB infection in India. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB services in India has been significant, leading to disruptions in essential TB services and challenges in the delivery of anti-tuberculosis treatment drugs to patients.
In summary, India's efforts to combat TB under PM Modi's leadership have involved a combination of policy initiatives, innovative programs, and a focus on improving access to low-cost generic medicines. While the country still faces significant challenges related to TB prevalence and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the progress made in the last decade reflects a dedicated commitment to addressing this public health issue.
