According to the World Health Organization’s Global TB Report 2025, India’s tuberculosis (TB) incidence has declined by 21% — from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh in 2024. This rate of decline is nearly twice the global average of 12%, marking one of the steepest reductions among high-burden countries.
India’s success is attributed to its innovative case-finding strategies, rapid adoption of new technologies, decentralization of services, and large-scale community mobilization. Treatment coverage surged from 53% in 2015 to over 92% in 2024, with 26.18 lakh patients diagnosed out of an estimated 27 lakh cases. As a result, the number of “missing cases” — undetected TB patients — dropped dramatically from 15 lakh in 2015 to under one lakh in 2024. Importantly, there has been no major rise in multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB cases. Under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, treatment success has reached 90%, surpassing the global average of 88%.
TB mortality has also fallen sharply — from 28 deaths per lakh population in 2015 to 21 in 2024 — a testament to strengthened government commitment and nearly a tenfold increase in programme funding over the past nine years.
Launched in December 2024, the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has screened over 19 crore vulnerable individuals nationwide, detecting 24.5 lakh TB patients, including 8.61 lakh asymptomatic cases. The campaign’s proactive approach is informed by both global and domestic research highlighting the prevalence of sub-clinical TB in high-burden regions.
Supporting this effort is the world’s largest TB laboratory network, featuring 9,391 rapid molecular testing facilities and 107 culture and drug-susceptibility testing labs. To strengthen early detection, more than 500 AI-enabled handheld chest X-ray units are operational, with another 1,500 being deployed to states and UTs. Services have also been decentralized through 1.78 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, bringing TB care closer to communities.
Nutritional support has been expanded under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY), with the monthly Direct Benefit Transfer increased from ₹500 to ₹1,000 per patient throughout treatment. Since its launch in April 2018, ₹4,406 crore has been transferred directly to 1.37 crore beneficiaries. Additionally, 6.77 lakh individuals and organizations have joined as Ni-kshay Mitras, distributing over 45 lakh food baskets to TB patients.
In a strong example of community participation, over two lakh My Bharat youth volunteers have stepped up as Ni-kshay Mitras, offering psychosocial support and motivation to TB patients. This youth-driven movement embodies India’s vision of making TB elimination a collective national mission.
The Ministry of Health has also expanded its differentiated TB care model, identifying high-risk patients based on co-morbidities and clinical indicators to provide personalized treatment. ASHA workers have been trained to recognize early warning signs and refer patients to higher facilities for prompt care.
Guided by the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan remains focused on proactive screening — including asymptomatic and high-risk groups — through handheld X-rays, early molecular diagnosis, and comprehensive care encompassing treatment, nutrition, and psychosocial support. This integrated approach continues to drive India closer to its vision of a TB-Mukt Bharat.