Patna: Bihar has intensified its campaign to eliminate tuberculosis, with more than 2.36 crore people screened against a target of one crore under a special drive launched on July 2, 2026.
Dr Anupama Singh, Additional Executive Director of the State Health Society, Bihar, said public participation and media support are essential to turn TB elimination into a broader social movement.
Over 87,000 TB Cases Detected
The campaign has identified 87,623 TB cases, including 21,550 people without clear TB symptoms. The figures highlight the importance of active screening in detecting cases that may otherwise remain unidentified.
The campaign is being implemented under the guidance of the Chief Secretary and Health Secretary, with regular monitoring of the state’s TB elimination efforts.
Read Also: Loan Cut or Wider Access? Bihar Explains Changes in Student Credit Card Scheme
Bihar Expands TB Testing Network
Bihar has strengthened its diagnostic infrastructure to improve early detection and treatment. The state currently has 491 digital X-ray machines, 140 AI-enabled handheld X-ray machines, 768 binocular microscopes, 89 CBNAAT machines and 562 Truenat machines.
Authorities have also identified 11,055 high-risk villages for targeted TB detection. Since March 24, more than 5.4 lakh camps have been organised.
More than 17.48 lakh chest X-rays have been conducted, while over 3.52 lakh sputum samples have undergone NAAT testing.
88% Treatment Success Rate Recorded
Among the TB patients identified during the campaign, 74,871 patients, or around 85%, have been assessed for differentiated TB care.
Bihar recorded an 88% treatment success rate in 2024. The estimated TB mortality rate also declined from 21 per lakh population in 2023 to 20 per lakh in 2024.
547 Panchayats Declared TB-Free
Under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, 547 Bihar panchayats have achieved TB-free Panchayat status after meeting all six criteria prescribed by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The state is also strengthening preventive treatment across all 38 districts. More than 2.80 lakh households have been screened for TB Preventive Treatment, while 97,623 eligible beneficiaries have started preventive treatment.
Focus on Community Participation
Bihar is expanding its TB elimination drive by involving elected representatives, My Bharat volunteers, NCC members, Panchayati Raj institutions and community groups. District-level TB Mukt Bharat committees have also been formed to coordinate efforts across health, education, labour and local governance departments.
Dr Anupama Singh said TB elimination requires a collective effort beyond the health department. The state is focusing on awareness, early diagnosis, complete treatment and preventive care, particularly in high-risk areas, to achieve a TB-free Bihar.
Read Also: Bihar Trains New MSME Mitras to Connect Entrepreneurs With Government Schemes
