World TB Day 2025: TB remains a serious health problem in the country, scared these figures, read full report

New Delhi: Important progress has been made in the fight against TB in the country, but this disease still remains a serious health problem. According to a report, between 2015 and 2023, TB cases in the country have decreased by 17.7%. Despite 2025, there is still a long way to go to achieve the goal of eliminating TB. According to a survey conducted by the City X-ray and scan clinic in the last six months, 21% of children (up to 16 years) and 14% of adult cases have been confirmed by microorganologically TB. For the latent TB (which is present in the body but not active), IGRA examination found infections in 23% children and 43% adults. CEO of City X-ray and scan clinic Dr. Size Kapoor said that ignorance and malnutrition is increasing the main reason for the increasing cases of TB. People with weak immunity come in the grip of this disease quickly. he/she also reported that apart from pulmonary TB (lung infection), extra-palmonary TB, in which TB bacteria spreads to other body organs through blood circulation, also remains a serious problem.

Dr. Ravi Kapoor, senior radiologist and director of the City X-ray and scan clinic, said that early solutions and effective treatment is the key to controlling TB. he/she suggested that more recognized laboratories be included. Monitoring and screening should be further strengthened. Triple-layer verification system should be implemented for TB diagnosis. Awareness campaigns should be conducted in schools so that TB can be identified in the initial phase itself.

What are the plans?

According to the information, under the Nutritional Support Scheme – NPY, there was a plan to give Rs 500 per month to every TB patient from April 2018. This assistance is provided because most TB patients suffer from malnutrition and improve their immunity due to better nutrition. But the full benefit of this scheme was not transported by the government to the patients.

What do you say?

According to the CAG, a total of 2.60 lakh TB patients dues between 2018-19 and 202-23 (till November 2022). At the same time, out of 22,793 patients in the NDMC Chest Clinic, only 13,241 received payment, while 9,552 patients did not get 1.48 crore. Apart from this, 38,890 patients were paid in MCD Chest Clinic and Hospital, Nehru Nagar, but 38,272 patients were not given 4.22 crore (till May 2022). However, the government said in December 2022 that the payment was delayed due to lack of funds and bank details of patients outside Delhi.