Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil on Tuesday said tuberculosis (TB) cases in the state have been steadily declining, crediting the improvement to strong administrative systems and effective grassroots-level interventions.
He was addressing the launch of the TB-Free India Campaign 2.0—a 100-day intensified drive—held on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day. The campaign aims to fast-track TB elimination, with Ayushman Arogya camps planned in 5,176 identified high-risk villages for extensive screening.
Responding to earlier remarks by former Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla suggesting a rise in TB cases in the state compared to others, a senior health official said the department was unaware of the basis or source of such claims.
Also read: In Himachal Pradesh, LPG bookings up by 30-35 per cent
Highlighting the achievements of the campaign’s first phase, Shandil said 14,97,492 high-risk individuals were identified, out of which 14,91,319 were screened—reflecting nearly 100 per cent coverage. He added that 6,88,470 individuals underwent X-ray screening, translating to around 46 per cent coverage, which is higher than the national average.
Under the TB-Free Gram Panchayat initiative, the minister said the state has made significant progress. “In 2025, out of 3,615 gram panchayats, 1,052 were declared TB-free, accounting for nearly 29 per cent of the total, which indicates strong community participation,” he noted.
Health Secretary M Sudha Devi said the campaign would be driven by technology and focus on active case detection. “High-risk populations and areas will be identified and tested within a defined timeframe,” she said.
State TB Officer Rajesh Guleri also delivered a detailed presentation outlining the progress and achievements made by the state in its efforts toward TB elimination.
Follow us
