Delhi scales up TB drive, announces 50 lakh screening target

As Delhi inches closer to completing a year of its tuberculosis (TB) elimination programme, launched on December 7 last year, the Health Department on Thursday set an ambitious target of screening 50 lakh people.

The move aims to strengthen the ongoing national campaign against the life-threatening disease, which remains the world’s leading infectious killer with India recording the highest number of TB deaths in the world.

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The target was announced during a review meeting led by Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh held at the Delhi Secretariat to review the status of implementation of the Central Government–backed TB Elimination Programme across Delhi.

Outlining the progress of the campaign, officials noted that the state conducted screenings of around 8.78 lakh individuals, including nearly 3.8 lakh chest X-rays, until recently. The measure has helped in drastically reducing the fatalities by early detections, helping in prompt treatments, said the officials.

In a press statement, the health officials highlighted that Delhi has achieved 99% of the National TB Elimination Programme target given by the centre for the months of January-November 2025.

Highlighting Delhi’s robust TB healthcare infrastructure, officials noted that there are 190 diagnostic centres and 365 treatment centres across the national capital that provide quality and free care to all TB patients.

Attributing the success of the mission to citizen participation alongside the health care workers, Singh said, “Delhi is firmly committed to achieving the goal of a TB-free nation. The progress we are witnessing is a result of strong teamwork, public cooperation, and the tireless dedication of our healthcare workers.”

The minister further asserted the city’s ambition and added, “We will continue to strengthen our screening, support systems, and community participation to ensure that every TB patient receives timely care, nutrition, and encouragement. Our mission is clear, Delhi will play a leading role in making TB Mukt Bharat a reality.”