Gujarat Reviews ‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ Progress; Nutrition Support for TB Patients Strengthened

Gandhinagar, May 2026: A high-level review meeting of the ‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ was held at Lok Bhavan in the presence of Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The meeting focused on reviewing the ongoing implementation of tuberculosis control measures in the state under the national goal of making India TB-free.

The Government of Gujarat reiterated its commitment to realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a TB-free nation. Senior officials from the Health and Family Welfare Department participated in the detailed review of the state’s progress under the campaign.

During the meeting, Governor Acharya Devvrat emphasized that the TB eradication programme must be transformed into a widespread public movement. He urged officials to ensure there is no laxity in TB control efforts and called for maximum public awareness across communities. He also stressed the importance of educating TB patients about de-addiction and healthy lifestyle practices.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel directed officials to ensure that every TB patient in the state receives timely and high-quality treatment without any gaps in service delivery. He underlined the need for a robust and efficient healthcare system to support the programme’s objectives.

Officials presented the state’s future action plan and targets during the meeting. It was highlighted that free diagnosis and treatment for tuberculosis are currently available at all sub-centres and government hospitals across Gujarat.

The state currently operates 2,351 microscopy centres, 3 advanced TB culture laboratories, 74 CBNAAT machines, and 386 TrueNAT machines to support TB diagnosis and treatment.

Under the 2026–27 plan, Gujarat will procure 100 additional TrueNAT machines to ensure 100% upfront NAAT testing coverage across all talukas and high-burden districts. In addition, 333 portable hand-held X-ray machines will be deployed for door-to-door screening of potential TB patients.

A key welfare measure announced during the review was the provision of “ready-to-eat nutrition snacks” for six months to all adult TB patients weighing less than 42 kilograms and all children below the age of 14, aimed at improving recovery and immunity.

Senior officials present at the meeting included Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department Rajiv Topno, Principal Secretary to the Governor Ashok Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Vikrant Pandey, along with other senior health department officers.