Chandigarh, May 8 – Haryana Health Minister Ms. Arti Singh Rao said that the state is moving rapidly towards achieving the goal of ‘TB Mukt Haryana’. She said that large-scale awareness campaigns, modern technology and community participation have given new momentum to the fight against TB.

She said that the State Government has released the 30-day interim progress report of the 100-day TB eradication campaign (Phase-2), which was launched on March 24, 2026, on the occasion of World TB Day. Under this campaign, 10,978 new TB patients have been identified so far. She said this achievement has been made possible due to Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based technologies and the Active Case Finding strategy.

The Health Minister said that the state’s strategy is no longer limited to waiting for patients to come forward. Instead, screening is being carried out in high-risk areas, including among people without symptoms, so that hidden cases can be identified in time.

Ms. Arti Singh Rao said that technology is being effectively used in Haryana. AI-enabled handheld X-ray machines are providing instant screening facilities in remote areas. The ‘Cough Against TB’ (CATB) app is helping identify possible TB patients by analysing cough sounds.

Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Dr. R.S. Dhillon, said that public participation has played a major role in the success of the campaign. He said that 65 mobile medical units are being used as “diagnostic labs”, making screening possible even in remote areas. Active participation of public representatives and Panchayati Raj institutions has also helped remove social stigma related to TB.

He said that TB screening has been linked with routine health check-ups under the campaign, including blood pressure, sugar and anaemia tests, to ensure overall healthcare services.

He further informed that through geospatial technology, 2,111 vulnerable villages and wards have been identified where special drives are being conducted. Sharing details of activities carried out from March 24 to May 5, 2026, he said that a total of 1,620 camps were organised during this period, out of which 938 camps were held in high-risk areas. Similarly, 1,81,221 people were screened, 49,953 NAAT tests were conducted, and 10,978 new TB patients were identified.

He added that 335 new Ni-kshay Mitras were registered and 8,502 nutrition kits were distributed during the campaign period.

He said that the Haryana Government is committed to the complete eradication of TB and is ensuring treatment and support for every patient.