A high-level review of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was held on Nov. 28, underscoring the administration’s focus on sustaining momentum in tuberculosis elimination while identifying areas needing further intervention. The meeting, chaired by the Lieutenant Governor at Raj Niwas, brought together senior officials of the health administration, district authorities from across the islands, and technical experts involved in TB surveillance and control.
The review provided a comprehensive assessment of the campaign’s implementation since July 2025, tracking progress across detection, treatment, patient support, and community engagement. Officials were briefed on the trend in presumptive TB examinations and case notifications, which remain key indicators of active disease surveillance. Emphasis was placed on patient monitoring systems designed to ensure treatment adherence, minimise dropouts, and improve outcomes under the national elimination framework.
District-level interventions formed a central part of the presentation, with officials outlining measures adopted by local administrations to strengthen last-mile outreach. The rollout of information, education and communication activities was reviewed in detail, including efforts to increase awareness at the community level and reduce social stigma associated with tuberculosis. The progress achieved under the TB Mukt Panchayat initiative was also assessed, reflecting the campaign’s reliance on grassroots institutions to drive behavioural change.
Support mechanisms for TB patients were another major focus area. The role of Nikshay Mitra partnerships in providing nutritional and social assistance was discussed, alongside updates on beneficiary coverage and implementation challenges. Special attention was drawn to district-specific initiatives, including additional nutritional support extended to malnourished TB patients in the Nicobar district, where access and logistical constraints often complicate treatment compliance.
New initiatives introduced during the review period were also highlighted. These include the conduct of monthly Nikshay Clinics aimed at strengthening follow-up care, community-based Nikshay Shivir activities to widen outreach, and a one-year assistance programme supported by a public sector bank for families of selected TB patients. Officials noted that these measures are intended to complement medical treatment with social support, a critical element in addressing the socio-economic dimensions of tuberculosis.
During the meeting, it was informed that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has emerged as the first State or Union Territory to achieve the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s target for coverage of vulnerable populations under the Abhiyaan. This milestone was cited as an indicator of effective inter-departmental coordination and district-level execution, though officials cautioned that sustained effort would be required to maintain gains and prevent resurgence.
The Lieutenant Governor acknowledged the efforts of the Health Department and district administrations, while directing that existing strategies be further strengthened. The emphasis, according to officials present, was on adopting proven best practices, scaling up successful interventions, and accelerating the overall pace of elimination activities to align with national targets.
Senior officers were advised to continue close monitoring of programme indicators, ensure timely reporting, and address gaps in detection or follow-up without delay. The review concluded with a reiteration that tuberculosis elimination remains a public health priority for the islands, requiring consistent administrative oversight and community participation to translate early achievements into lasting outcomes.
