New Delhi: Medanta, a multi-speciality hospital, announced the completion of 10 years of its ‘Mission TB-Free’ initiative, a public health campaign aimed at detecting and treating tuberculosis (TB) across Haryana and beyond.
The initiative was launched through a pilot project in Rewari, deploying a mobile medical unit equipped with digital X-ray technology as part of a broader Call to Action for a TB-Free India. Supported by national leaders and organizations like the Central TB Division, USAID, and The Union, the project was later expanded state-wide, Medanta stated.
The hospital claimed, “Since the inception of this campaign, it has screened 10 lakh people for tuberculosis, conducted 80,000 chest X-rays, and diagnosed over 10,000 cases of TB in Haryana and the bordering states of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.”
Speaking at the event, Anupriya Patel, MoS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, said, “India bears a significant burden of tuberculosis, and overcoming the challenges to eliminate TB requires collective effort. I commend Medanta, state governments, USAID, The Union, and the entire medical community for their remarkable contributions to this mission.”
“However, the goal of TB elimination can only be achieved through continued collaboration, innovative diagnostics, and community-level interventions. Let’s join hands to make ‘TB Harega, Desh Jeetega’ a reality,” she added.
Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta, said, “As we mark a decade of ‘Mission TB-Free,’ we remain steadfast in our commitment to achieving India’s national TB objectives. Our mission, supported by generous donations and strategic partnerships, reflects the country’s ambitious target to eliminate TB and exemplifies our commitment to scaling up these vital interventions to improve public health.”
“We have seen substantial progress with increased detection rates in high-risk groups such as farmers, labourers, and smokers. However, challenges such as managing mobile unit logistics, occasional diagnostic shortages, and overcoming community stigma persist. To address these issues, we are enhancing community engagement through targeted awareness programmes and exploring innovative diagnostic methods such as tongue swab tests,” said Dr. Bornali Datta, Director of the TB Programme.
Furthering its initiative, Medanta announced the launch of motorbike-compatible ultraportable X-ray machines and mobile vans, enhancing the programme’s ability to reach more underserved communities. Additionally, in partnership with public and private sector entities. Medanta introduced the Arogya Karmee project to strengthen awareness, early diagnosis, and treatment of TB, comorbidities such as lung disease, and non-communicable diseases among industrial workers.
