BENGALURU, 24 MARCH

Bengaluru's Chief Health Officer, Dr. Syed Sirajuddin Madani, has called upon health workers and citizens alike to work diligently towards making the BBMP tuberculosis (TB)-free by 2025. Speaking at a programme organised by the BBMP Health Department to mark World Tuberculosis Day, Dr. Madani underscored the importance of public involvement in eradicating the disease, stating, "Those diagnosed with TB must adhere strictly to their six-month medication regimen for effective recovery."

Under India's National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), significant progress has been made in controlling TB, aided by 143 Primary Health Centres, 6 Community Health Centres, and numerous clinics and testing facilities. The initiative has been further bolstered by the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA) since 2023, which has seen the distribution of over 11,000 nutrition kits to 3,120 TB patients.

Recent data indicates a decline in TB cases in the BBMP from 15,543 in 2023 to 14,059 in 2024, alongside a decrease in the mortality rate from 750 to 702. A recent 100-Day Tuberculosis Campaign reported screening more than 1.3 million vulnerable individuals, confirming 4,010 cases. Dr. Madani's remarks highlight the collective effort needed to eliminate TB from the region.