Shimla: Governor Kavinder Gupta today reviewed the implementation of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) under TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 at Lok Bhavan. Appreciating the state’s innovative initiatives, community participation and people-centric approach, he said that Himachal was making significant progress towards achieving the goal of tuberculosis elimination ahead of the national target.
The Governor was informed that sustained efforts under the state’s tuberculosis (TB) control programme had reduced the number of reported TB cases from 15,455 in 2024 to 14,636 in 2025, reflecting the effectiveness of ongoing intervention strategies.
He was also briefed on the 100-day ‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan 2.0’, launched on 24 March 2026. Under the campaign, 5,147 high-risk villages were identified across the state, with nearly half already covered through Ayushman Arogya Camps. Around 1.85 lakh people from high-risk groups have been screened using AI-enabled handheld X-ray technology, enabling early detection and timely treatment.
The Governor was informed that the TB-Free Gram Panchayat Initiative continues to make steady progress, with 1,052 Gram Panchayats declared TB-free in 2025, up from 823 in 2024 and 731 in 2023. Ayushman Arogya Camps were providing doorstep healthcare in high-risk villages and urban wards, offering free screening for TB, diabetes, hypertension and anaemia, while Mobile Health Units were extending services to remote areas. The state now has 26 AI-enabled handheld X-ray machines and 119 NAAT diagnostic machines to support rapid diagnosis and treatment.
The Governor emphasized that eliminating TB required a collective effort and could not be achieved by the Health Department alone. He directed the National Health Mission and the Health Department to strengthen public participation in Ayushman Arogya Camps and intensify awareness campaigns to encourage timely TB screening, particularly among high-risk groups.
He expressed confidence that, through coordinated efforts and active community participation, Himachal Pradesh would achieve the goal of becoming a TB-free State at the earliest. During the review meeting, Deputy Mission Director, National Health Mission, Himachal Pradesh and State TB Officer, Dr. Rajesh Guleria, made a detailed presentation on the activities and achievements of the programme in the State.
Secretary to the Governor Sandeep Bhardwaj, L.R. Sharma from the National Health Mission and State Consultant, World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Nishant Soni were also present during the meeting.
