In 2025, 2,390 village panchayats in Tamil Nadu were identified as tuberculosis-free and declared as “TB-free panchayats”, according to a press release issued by the Health department.
Health Minister K.G. Arunraj conducted a district-wise review of the measures being undertaken to achieve TB-free Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. He also reviewed the State’s achievements and progress under the National TB Elimination Programme.
Between January and June 2026, 48,469 persons were diagnosed with TB and treatment initiated. In 2025, 93,203 persons were diagnosed with TB and were provided with the necessary treatment.
Addressing the meeting, the Minister said that the TB-free India movement requires coordinated efforts involving government and private healthcare institutions, elected representatives, NGOs and other government departments to eliminate TB. If all government departments and all sections of the society work together, TN can completely eliminate TB at the earliest.
Deputy directors of TB control should intensify efforts in villages and urban wards that are at a higher risk of TB by using modern diagnostic tools such as chest X-rays and molecular diagnostic tests for early detection and prompt treatment of TB to prevent the spread of TB and reduce the number of new cases.
TB screening should be carried out for all individuals who are at a high risk. The deputy directors were also directed to ensure access to chest X-ray screening and molecular diagnostic testing for all sections of society, provide advanced care for critically ill TB patients, provide TB preventive treatment to individuals who have been in close contact with patients with TB, and encourage active participation from all sections of society in the TB elimination programme.
By working together with the participation of all sections of society, the goal of achieving a TB-free Tamil Nadu can be easily achieved, he said, according to the release. Among others, Health Secretary Darez Ahamed was present.
Published – July 23, 2026 05:30 am IST
