While the rest of the world has vowed to eliminate the TB epidemic by 2030, India has moved the deadline forward to 2025. On Tuesday, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya, speaking to G20 delegates at the primary health clinic in Corlim on the last day of the health working group conference, stated that the country is working hard to meet the target.

Mr. Mandaviya stated that the accredited social health activists (ASHAs) proved crucial in mitigating the ongoing COVID crisis in India. He added that, at present, ASHAs are helping to put a stop to the TB epidemic. He explained that approximately 200 families are placed under one ASHA administration.

According to him, the government provides free medications and Rs. 500 per month to all TB patients. He stated that 171 drugs are offered free of charge in health and wellness centers around the country, as well as diagnostic services. He noted that it is not easy to do all of that for a diverse and vast country like India, which has a population of 1.3 billion people.

Mr. Mandaviya stated that India is quite innovative in the health field and fights ailments holistically. The digital health services offered at the PHC Corlim and the health and wellness center were demonstrated to G20 attendees. To provide primary care, Goa has approximately 201 Ayushman Bharat health and wellness clinics. He explained that these facilities also provide screening and diagnostic facilities for noncommunicable disorders.

The Union Health Minister praised Goas development in the health sector. Dr. Bharti Pawar, the Union Minister of State for Health, and Family Welfare, said it was a source of pride for India that, despite hurdles during the epidemic, over 220 crore people were vaccinated. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/india-to-be-tuberculosis-free-by-2025-five-years-before-world-target-says-mansukh-mandaviya/99602835 )