India's Progress in Tuberculosis Control: Key Highlights from the 2024 Report

India's Progress in Tuberculosis Control

India has made remarkable strides in reducing both the incidence and mortality rates of tuberculosis (TB) since 2015, as highlighted in the India TB report 2024 released by the Union Health Ministry. These advancements are attributed to focused efforts on early detection and treatment, alongside active community engagement initiatives.

Key Highlights from the Report

• Incidence Rate Decline: The incidence rate of TB in India has decreased from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 199 cases per lakh population by 2022.
• Mortality Rate Reduction: TB mortality rates have also seen a significant drop, falling from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 23 per lakh population in 2022.
• Private Sector Engagement: Notably, in 2023, approximately 32% of TB case notifications originated from the private healthcare sector, reflecting a 17% increase from the previous year.
• Overall Notification Improvement: Over the last nine years, the notification of TB cases has improved by more than 50% annually, with Uttar Pradesh reporting the highest increase in notifications at 21% compared to the previous year.
• Post-COVID-19 Strategy: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) has been vigorously pursuing accelerated TB elimination as per the National Strategic Plan 2017–2025.
• Diagnostic Services: The NTEP continues to provide free diagnostic services, having conducted approximately 1.89 crore sputum smear tests.

The report emphasizes India's unwavering commitment to eliminating TB by 2025, showcasing the effectiveness of various strategies and interventions in combating this infectious disease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the current TB incidence rate in India?
Answer: As of 2022, the TB incidence rate in India is 199 cases per lakh population, down from 237 in 2015.

Q2. How has the TB mortality rate changed in India?
Answer: The mortality rate from TB in India decreased from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 23 per lakh population in 2022, showing significant progress.

Q3. What role does the private sector play in TB notifications?
Answer: In 2023, nearly 32% of TB case notifications were reported by the private healthcare sector, indicating increased engagement in TB management.

Q4. What is the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)?
Answer: The NTEP is an initiative aimed at eliminating TB in India by 2025, focusing on early detection, treatment, and community health engagement.

Q5. How many diagnostic tests for TB have been conducted by NTEP?
Answer: The NTEP has conducted approximately 1.89 crore sputum smear tests to facilitate TB diagnosis and treatment across the country.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What was the TB incidence rate in India in 2015?
A) 199 per lakh population
B) 237 per lakh population
C) 28 per lakh population
D) 23 per lakh population
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: By how much did the TB mortality rate decrease from 2015 to 2022?
A) 3 per lakh population
B) 5 per lakh population
C) 10 per lakh population
D) 15 per lakh population
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What percentage of TB notifications came from the private sector in 2023?
A) 17%
B) 32%
C) 50%
D) 21%
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What is the aim of the National Strategic Plan 2017–2025?
A) To reduce healthcare costs
B) To eliminate TB by 2025
C) To improve private sector involvement
D) To increase hospital infrastructure
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: How many sputum smear tests has the NTEP conducted?
A) 1 crore
B) 1.5 crore
C) 1.89 crore
D) 2 crore
Correct Answer: C

Question 6: Which state recorded the highest increase in TB notifications?
A) Maharashtra
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Gujarat
D) Rajasthan
Correct Answer: B

Question 7: What was the TB mortality rate in India in 2022?
A) 23 per lakh population
B) 28 per lakh population
C) 19 per lakh population
D) 21 per lakh population
Correct Answer: A