Aiming for Tuberculosis-free nation: Role of National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP)

Currently, the central government is implementing multiple programs to combat various communicable and non-communicable diseases. However, the national Tuberculosis eradication program has recently garnered significant attention. In fact, the government of India announced its plan to completely eliminate TB by the year 2025 in a parliamentary notification.

Tuberculosis, caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air from an infected person. According to statistics, a single TB patient can infect over 10 individuals within a year. Furthermore, the disease represents a significant public health challenge, with TB ranking as the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent - surpassing HIV/AIDS. Worryingly, almost a quarter of the world's population has been infected with M. tuberculosis. On a positive note, TB is curable, and prevention is possible. In fact, close to 85% of individuals affected by TB can be successfully treated with a 6-month drug regimen.

The National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) represents the government's public health initiative aimed at eradicating this disease.

In today’s health perspective episode, we have Dr. Jugal Kishore who is a respected medical educator going to discuss this program in detail.