In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated that as per the Global TB Report 2015, the targets for Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for India has been achieved. The Ministry has targeted 2025 for the elimination of TB. As per the Global TB Report 2017, the incidence of TB has reduced from 217 per lakh per year in 2015 to 211 per lakh per year in 2016 and mortality has reduced from 36 per lakh per year in 2015 to 32 per lakh per year in 2016.

Under RNTCP, Drug Resistant TB (DRTB) activities are being undertaken to manage DRTB effectively.

• Nationwide Drug Resistance Survey was completed in 2015-16.
• For DRTB diagnosis, 628 CBNAAT machines have been installed so far and additional 500 machines are being planned.
• Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST) has been initiated in 19 States and soon it will be expanded to rest of the States.
• Regional Programmatic management of drug resistant T (PMDT) review activities are being planned where in the States are reviewed in depth on the DRTB activities and their implementation status.
• The PMDT guidelines have been updated with respect to the End TB strategy in 2017.
• States are being monitored for their CBNAAT utilization and reaching towards UDST.
• Newer drugs like bedaquiline has been introduced in 5 States and preparatory activities are being undertaken to expand it further.
• Expansion of DRTB services and management up to the district/ sub district level through district DRTB centers.
• All DRTB centers are infection control compliant.
• Patients are being counselled on the cough etiquette.

 In addition to the existing strategies under RNTCP, the NSP focuses on:

• Early diagnosis of all the TB patients, prompt treatment with quality assured drugs and treatment regimens.
• Suitable patient support systems to promote adherence.
• Engaging with the patients seeking care in the private sector.
• prevention strategies including active case finding
• Contact tracing in high risk / vulnerable population.
• Airborne infection control and
• Multi-sectoral response for addressing social determinants.

 (Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, December 29, 2017)