Dr Harsh Vardhan gave a Keynote Address at the India TB Summit

i.Through better access to molecular diagnostics by decentralizing CBNAAT and TruNat services, India has enabled earlier detection of drug resistance.
ii. Through Active Case Finding, India has reached out to the unreached and vulnerable groups. Sub-national surveillance of TB and disease-free certification has been introduced, wherein States/Districts that have achieved significant reduction in incidence of TB from 2015 baselines were assessed and have been likewise awarded Bronze, Silver, Gold and even TB Free certifications.
iii. India has established TB Forums which provide a common platform to govt officials, physicians, civil society and representatives from patient groups to discuss all concerns pertaining to service delivery and patient care. The Health Minister also underscored how these arrangements are being backed by affirmative action, policies, and resources. Resource allocation for TB has witnessed substantial increase in recent years. Last year, the government had disbursed more than ₹ 249.43 crores to over 11.10 lakh patients as nutrition support under Nikshay Poshan Yojana. He also informed how the government’s intervention ensured that gains against TB were not squandered during the Pandemic.Dr Harsh Vardhan called upon every citizen to fight collectively and think TB not as only a biomedical disease but also as a social disease. He noted, “Considering the extensive TB burden and the gamut of challenges, we must agree that much more needs to be done with support from all stakeholders. To check Tuberculosis, the first step is that we need to stop thinking of biomedical solutions only as TB is social disease. TB control needs to be taken up by all of us as a developmental issue. We have call upon a Jan Andolon against TB to reinforce our commitment to end TB through multi-sectoral and integrated actions.”

He also took the occasion to remind the audience that the world has paying attention to India’s success in fighting TB and stated, “Recognising the leading role we have been playing in tackling TB, India has been asked to take on the role of Chair at the Stop TB partnership.” This will further help in the exchange of best practices and knowledge among all stakeholders while also integrating and reinvigorating global efforts to effectively address this grave health hazard by making it a people’s movement, he further observed. Dr. Harsh Vardhan concluded his address expressing optimism that the support of all stakeholders and collaborations across all the sectors will eradicate TB by 2025, living up to the slogan, “TB Haarega Desh Jeetega.” He wished the India TB Summit a great success.