Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 9: The Central Tuberculosis Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the TB Mukt Bharat App, a digital platform aimed at strengthening tuberculosis care, improving awareness, and increasing community participation under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme.
The application has been introduced as part of the Government of India’s ongoing efforts to eliminate tuberculosis, focusing on providing patient-centric services and bridging gaps in treatment adherence and public awareness. The platform offers access to essential tuberculosis-related information and services, enabling users to navigate treatment and support systems more efficiently.
Officials stated that the application is designed to assist tuberculosis patients throughout their treatment journey by offering guidance, adherence support, and follow-up assistance. It is integrated with existing systems such as Nikshay to ensure continuity in service delivery and streamline patient care under the national programme.
The app also functions as an information resource, providing details on tuberculosis symptoms, prevention, and treatment. Authorities indicated that making verified information widely accessible through a digital platform is expected to reduce stigma associated with the disease and encourage early diagnosis.
A key component of the application is its focus on community involvement through the Nikshay Mitra initiative. The platform allows individuals, institutions, corporates, and organisations to register as Nikshay Mitras and support tuberculosis patients. This support may include nutritional assistance, social support, or financial aid during the course of treatment.
The application further includes an interactive chatbot named “Khushi – Aap Ke e-Sangini,” which provides real-time responses to user queries. The chatbot delivers information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and Government support services, serving as a digital interface for both patients and the general public seeking timely assistance.
The Ministry noted that tuberculosis continues to remain a major public health concern in the country. However, it emphasised that the disease is curable with timely diagnosis and proper treatment. The introduction of the application is expected to contribute to improving treatment adherence and strengthening awareness through digital outreach.
Authorities have urged citizens to download and use the TB Mukt Bharat App, not only to access reliable information but also to participate actively in supporting patients. The Government has called on the public to enrol as Nikshay Mitras and contribute to ongoing efforts to assist individuals undergoing treatment.
The initiative underscores the role of technology in advancing public health programmes and highlights the need for collective participation in achieving national health goals. Officials maintained that eliminating tuberculosis will require coordinated action from individuals, communities, and institutions.
The launch of the TB Mukt Bharat App marks a step towards integrating digital tools with healthcare delivery systems, with the aim of ensuring wider access to services and fostering community-driven support mechanisms in the fight against tuberculosis.
