Gujarat Leads in TB Reduction with 34% Drop in Cases 

Gandhinagar, Gujarat – : Gujarat has emerged as a national leader in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), recording a 34% reduction in new patient registrations and a 37% drop in TB-related mortality in 2023 compared to 2015. This achievement has earned the state the top spot in the “States with Most Improvement” category, as recognized by the Central Government.

Announcing the success, State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said, “This milestone reflects the tireless efforts of our healthcare system. From early diagnosis to nutritious support, the government is committed to making Gujarat TB-free.”

According to official data, Gujarat registered 1,33,805 TB cases in 2023 and 1,33,677 in 2022, with over 1.22 lakh and 1.30 lakh patients cured respectively. In 2024, 1,24,671 patients have recovered so far. The year 2025 (January to April) shows encouraging signs, with 45,282 new cases but a sharp decline in TB deaths to 1,011, down from 2,201 during the same period last year.

This success comes from the state’s proactive implementation of the national TB treatment protocol, which categorizes patients into high-risk and low-risk groups for better treatment planning. From sub-district health centers to medical colleges, Gujarat has ensured uniform access to TB care.

Each patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation after 15 days of starting medication, and again after two months. The six-month treatment course includes sputum testing via TrueNat and X-ray evaluations, further strengthening the monitoring process.

“Early detection and patient-centric care are at the heart of Gujarat’s strategy,” said Dr. Nitin Shah, a TB expert in Ahmedabad. “With improved diagnostics and nutrition support, we’re seeing real outcomes.”

The state currently operates 2,251 free micro-lab testing centers, 74 CBNAT machines, and 141 TrueNat machines. The government is in the process of procuring 181 more machines, aiming to cover every taluka for rapid TB diagnosis, including for drug-resistant TB.

To support patient nutrition, the government provided ₹46.5 crore in Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) to 1,19,833 patients in 2024 under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, offering ₹1,000 per month per patient.

Under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, 10,832 Nikshay Mitras—comprising NGOs, CSR units, and local bodies—have stepped in to support patients. Since 2022, Gujarat has distributed 3.79 lakh nutrition kits, including 18,000 kits in 2025 alone.

The state’s holistic approach combining medical innovation, community support, and nutritional aid has positioned Gujarat as a benchmark in India’s TB elimination goal.

“We are determined to continue this momentum,” said Minister Patel. “Our aim is a TB-free Gujarat, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a TB-free India.”