The latest data shows that that the incidence of TB in India decreased from 237 per 100,000 population to 195 per 100,000 between 2015 and 2023. That is a 17.7% reduction, a rate more than double of the global average of 8.3%. The data highlights the achievements of NTEP. Still, we are far away from the target to bring down the incidence to 10 per 100,000 population by 2025 in India,  five years ahead of the global target. The reasons are multiple, the huge disease load in the country being one important factor. A lot of efforts have been put up by NTEP over the years, like nation wide reach of the program, enhancing diagnostic services, providing diagnosis and treatment free of cost to reach out to every person, community engagement by incorporating lots of 'Nikshay Mitras' in the program, approving shorter duration drug regimens for resistant cases, introduction and use of digital tools like Nikshay portal etc.

At City X Ray and Scan Clinic, 21% paediatric cases (upto 16 years) and nearly 14% adults were found to be microbiologically confirmed as per data of last six months, including both pulmonary and extra pulmonary TB. Similarly, for latent TB, IGRA test was found positive in 23% of paediatric age group (upto 16 years) and 43% positivity was observed in adults.

"The high number of TB cases highlights a troubling reality—ignorance and malnutrition remains widespread. These cases predominantly affect individuals with weakened immune systems, often due to severe nutritional deficiencies. While pulmonary TB receives significant attention, extrapulmonary TB—where the bacterium spreads through the bloodstream and infects other organs—poses an equally serious challenge that must not be overlooked," said Dr. Aakaar Kapoor, CEO and Lead Medical Advisor: City X-Ray and Scan Clinic Founder and Partner: City Imaging & Clinical Labs.

Health experts emphasize the need for early TB detection and stronger preventive measures.

"We need to act now. Catching TB early can prevent complications and reduce transmission. Correct diagnosis is half the battle won. This requires increased surveillance, improved screening, and more accredited laboratories to ensure accurate testing," said Dr Ravi Kapoor, Founder & Director, Senior Consultant Radiologist, City X-Ray and Scan Clinic Founder and Partner: City Imaging & Clinical Labs.

How Private Players can Accelerate Eradication

To combat the rising burden, experts also stress the role of private healthcare players in supporting the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP). With TB still a major public health challenge in India, standardised labs and empowering private players in screening will be key to reducing its spread.

"India has outperformed lots of other high TB burden countries. Still, there is a need for acting on war footing in preventive care, early diagnosis, and strong collaboration between government and private healthcare providers. While the government has the budget and intent to eradicate TB, integrating private diagnostic centers with advanced technology, involving them in policy decisions, and leveraging their expertise for wider screening will accelerate progress. Those with the right infrastructure should guide others in capacity building," said Dr. Aakaar

"Additionally, enforcing mandatory accreditation for all diagnostic labs and implementing a triple-layer verification system for TB detection will further strengthen diagnostic accuracy and control efforts. Schools should also run awareness programs to help detect extra-pulmonary TB cases in children at an early stage," he added.