India Targets TB Elimination by 2025, RTI Reveals 1.5 fold rise in cases - Video

Despite the central government's goal to eliminate Tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, the number of TB patients in India has increased by 1.5 times over the past five years, according to an RTI reply. The total TB cases reached 26.17 lakh in 2024, up from 18.05 lakh in 2020.

Uttar Pradesh remains the most affected state with over 3.83 lakh cases reported till June 2025, while Lakshadweep recorded just nine cases. Other heavily impacted states include Bihar, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh, reports Daily Excelsior.

TB primarily affects the lungs but can impact other organs as well. Experts attribute the rise partly to increased awareness and better diagnostics, with people seeking early testing for symptoms. The government’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) offers free medicines and nutritional support under the ‘Nikshay Poshan Yojana’ to accelerate recovery. Advanced digital reporting has enhanced patient tracking and treatment adherence. Specialists stress early diagnosis and consistent treatment are key to curing TB and preventing fatalities, despite the worrying trend of its increasing incidence.