Sri Vijaya Puram, April 26: The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has been actively implementing the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – 100 Days Intensified Campaign since its launch on 24th March, 2026, in alignment with national guidelines. The campaign was formally inaugurated on the occasion of World TB Day by Dr. Sachin Shinde, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health), at the State level, and by the respective Deputy Commissioners at the district level.
The campaign focuses on a comprehensive and targeted approach to eliminate Tuberculosis (TB), with key objectives including:
•Early identification of all missing TB cases through proactive screening using chest X-rays and upfront NAAT testing among vulnerable populations and high-risk settings.
•Reduction in TB-related deaths through personalized patient care, nutritional support, management of comorbidities, regular follow-up, and TB Death Audits.
•Prevention of new TB cases through screening and provision of TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) to eligible high-risk groups such as household contacts and People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
•Promotion of Janbhagidari through a ‘Whole-of-Society’ and ‘Whole-of-Government’ approach to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage timely health-seeking behaviour.
•Early detection and management of key comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, anaemia, undernutrition, and cancer to improve treatment outcomes.
The campaign adopts a multi-pronged service delivery strategy:
•Outreach Activities: Ayushman Arogya Shivirs (health camps) conducted across communities, including TB screening using handheld X-ray machines.
•Facility-Based Services: Intensified screening of all individuals visiting health facilities, integrated with Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) services.
•Integrated Screening: Convergence of TB, NCD, and general health services.
•NCD Screening Components: Blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI assessment, and anaemia testing.
Overall Progress (24 March, 2026 – 24 April, 2026)
The campaign has achieved significant outreach and impact across the islands:
Ayushman Arogya Shivirs:
•Total Shivirs conducted: 501 (Urban: 122, Rural: 363, Congregate Settings: 7, Other Areas: 9)
•Total Footfall: 14,589 (Male: 6,700; Female: 7,889)
•Ni-kshay Enrolments (New + New Episodes): 4,080
•Total Chest X-rays conducted: 4,080
•NAAT Tests conducted: 1,119
•TB Cases Notified: 40
Janbhagidari & Community Engagement Activities:
•Total Janbhagidari activities: 81
•Elected Representatives involved: 116 (ULB: 19; PRI: 97)
•Activities in Schools & Colleges: 59
•Activities in Line Ministries: 19
•Activities in PSUs/Corporates/Business Associations: 2
The Andaman & Nicobar Administration urges all citizens to actively participate in the fight against TB:
1. Spread awareness that TB is preventable and curable.
2. Help eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with TB.
3. Individuals at higher risk—such as those aged 60 years and above, undernourished (BMI <18), diabetics, smokers or alcohol users (current or former), close contacts of TB patients, or those who had TB in the last 5 years—are encouraged to get screened at the nearest public health facility.
4. Come forward as Nikshay Mitra to support TB patients through nutritional and psychosocial assistance.
The Administration reiterates its commitment to achieving a TB-free Andaman & Nicobar Islands through sustained efforts, community participation, and strengthened healthcare delivery systems.