Commends Himachal’s Progress Towards TB Elimination
Calls for Greater Public Participation to Achieve a TB-Free Himachal Ahead of the National Target
Governor Shri 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 Pradesh was making significant progress towards achieving the goal of tuberculosis elimination ahead of the national target.
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.
The Governor was informed that sustained efforts under the TB control programme had led to a decline in the number of TB cases from 15,455 in 2024 to 14,636 in 2025, reflecting the effectiveness of the State’s intervention strategies.
The meeting was also informed that the 100-day ‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan 2.0’ was launched by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri J.P. Nadda on 24 March 2026. Under the campaign, 5,147 high-risk villages were identified in Himachal Pradesh, of which 2,547 villages (49 per cent) have already been covered through Ayushman Arogya Camps.
Through these camps, nearly 1.85 lakh people belonging to high-risk groups have been screened using AI-enabled handheld X-ray technology, facilitating early detection of tuberculosis and timely treatment.
The Governor was further informed that under the TB-Free Gram Panchayat Initiative, 731 Gram Panchayats were declared TB-free in 2023, 823 in 2024, and 1,052 in 2025, indicating steady progress towards the elimination of the disease.
The presentation highlighted that Ayushman Arogya Camps are delivering doorstep healthcare services in high-risk villages and urban wards by providing free screening for tuberculosis, blood pressure, diabetes and anaemia, along with AI-based handheld X-ray facilities. Mobile Health Units are also ensuring that healthcare services reach remote and inaccessible areas of the State.
Officials informed the Governor that Himachal Pradesh currently has 26 AI-enabled handheld X-ray machines and 119 modern NAAT diagnostic machines installed across all development blocks, enabling rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment of TB patients.
The Governor said that eliminating tuberculosis was not the sole responsibility of the Health Department but a people’s movement requiring active participation from every section of society. He directed the National Health Mission and the Health Department to ensure greater involvement of public representatives in Ayushman Arogya Camps and intensify awareness campaigns encouraging people, particularly those in high-risk groups, to undergo timely TB screening, especially chest X-ray examinations.
He expressed confidence that with collective efforts, active community participation and timely diagnosis, Himachal Pradesh would achieve the goal of becoming a TB-Free State at the earliest.
Secretary to the Governor Shri Sandeep Bhardwaj, Shri L.R. Sharma from the National Health Mission and Dr. Nishant Soni, State Consultant, World Health Organization (WHO) were also present during the meeting.
Author: Public Updates 24
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