The government recently launched a 100-day intensified TB detection campaign aimed at screening vulnerable populations across the country. This initiative has already led to the detection of 6,267 new TB cases within just one week of its launch. The campaign involves active screening through camps set up at health and wellness centers, as well as 850 mobile testing vans. Over 5 lakh individuals have already been screened.
Targeted Vulnerable Populations
The campaign focuses on screening approximately 25 crore vulnerable individuals. These include:
- Family members of TB patients
- People who have had TB in the past
- Individuals living with conditions like diabetes and HIV
- People who smoke or drink excessively
- Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 18.5
The screening will cover 347 high-risk districts across the country. These districts include 38 tribal, 27 mining, and 47 aspirational areas. The highest number of high-risk districts are in Karnataka (31), Maharashtra (30), and Madhya Pradesh (23).
Symptoms and Screening Criteria
Anyone in the community displaying TB symptoms such as:
- Persistent cough and high-grade fever for more than 15 days
- Loss of appetite
- Significant weight loss
- Sleeplessness
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain
- Blood in sputum
will be screened during the campaign.
Achievements in TB Detection
Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary of the Health Ministry, highlighted that the government has successfully reduced the number of missing TB cases (the difference between estimated and detected cases) from 15 lakh to just 2.5 lakh over the years.
Nutritional Support for TB Patients and Families
The government is expanding its Ni-kshay Mitra programme, which provides nutrition baskets to TB patients’ families. Studies show that nutritional support can reduce mortality in TB patients by 39% and decrease the incidence of TB among family members by 38% to 48%.
The government has also increased the nutritional support for TB patients from ₹500 to ₹1,000 through direct benefit transfers. A special food package has been introduced for patients with a BMI of 12.5 or below.
Campaign Reach and Focus Areas
The campaign aims to reach various groups, including students, youth, corporate employees, and workers in industries such as brick kilns, mines, construction sites, and tea gardens. The goal is to ensure comprehensive screening and support across high-risk areas.
Progress and Impact
Union Minister of State for Health, Anurpiya Patel, stated that India has made significant progress in TB elimination efforts. The incidence of TB in India has reduced by 17.7%, which is double the global rate of decline. Mortality has also decreased by 21.4%. Furthermore, treatment coverage has expanded from 53% in 2015 to 85% currently, marking a 32% increase in coverage.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary goal of the 100-day intensified TB campaign launched by the government?
- A) To increase awareness about TB
- B) To detect and screen vulnerable populations for TB
- C) To provide free treatment for TB patients
- D) To build more health and wellness centers
- Which of the following groups is NOT specifically targeted in the TB screening campaign?
- A) Family members of TB patients
- B) People with diabetes and HIV
- C) People working in tea gardens
- D) People aged over 65
- What is the increased amount of nutritional support provided to TB patients under the government’s initiative?
- A) ₹500
- B) ₹1,000
- C) ₹2,000
- D) ₹5,000
- Which state has the highest number of high-risk districts for TB?
- A) Maharashtra
- B) Madhya Pradesh
- C) Karnataka
- D) Uttar Pradesh
- By what percentage has the treatment coverage for TB patients increased from 2015 to the present?
- A) 10%
- B) 21%
- C) 32%
- D) 50%
- What is the BMI threshold for TB patients to receive special nutritional support?
- A) 15.5
- B) 16.5
- C) 12.5
- D) 18.5