Sri Vijaya Puram, June 30: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has screened more than 34,000 people and identified 117 tuberculosis (TB) cases under the ongoing TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – 100 Days Intensified Campaign, strengthening its drive for early detection and treatment as part of the national effort to eliminate the disease.
The campaign, being implemented across the islands since its launch on March 24, 2026, follows national guidelines and focuses on proactively identifying undetected TB cases through targeted screening of vulnerable populations and high-risk settings. The strategy includes chest X-ray screening and upfront Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) testing to improve early diagnosis and timely treatment.
According to the Administration, a total of 752 Ayushman Arogya Shivirs were conducted between March 24 and June 29, 2026, covering urban, rural and other vulnerable locations across the islands. Of these, 209 camps were organised in urban areas, 543 in rural areas, seven in congregate settings and nine in other locations.
The campaign recorded a cumulative footfall of 34,329 people, comprising 15,748 males and 18,581 females. During the same period, 9,230 individuals were enrolled on the Ni-kshay portal, while health teams carried out 11,279 chest X-rays and 2,714 NAAT tests as part of intensified TB screening. The campaign resulted in the notification of 117 tuberculosis cases.
Alongside medical screening, the Administration undertook extensive community mobilisation through Janbhagidari activities to promote awareness and encourage public participation in TB elimination efforts. A total of 164 community engagement programmes were conducted during the campaign.
According to the official figures, 185 elected representatives participated in these activities, including one Member of Parliament, 19 Urban Local Body representatives and 165 Panchayati Raj Institution representatives. Awareness programmes were also organised in 127 schools and colleges, 30 line ministries, two Public Sector Undertakings and business associations, with support from five My Bharat volunteers.
The Administration has urged residents to actively support the TB elimination campaign by spreading awareness that tuberculosis is both preventable and curable. It has encouraged individuals belonging to high-risk groups to undergo screening at the nearest public health facility.
The identified high-risk groups include people aged 60 years and above, individuals with a Body Mass Index below 18, persons living with diabetes, current or former smokers, alcohol users, close contacts of TB patients and individuals who have suffered from tuberculosis during the past five years.
Reaffirming its commitment to achieving a TB-free Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Administration stated that sustained surveillance, community participation and strengthened healthcare delivery remain central to the ongoing campaign. It has appealed to citizens to participate actively in screening initiatives to support early detection and timely treatment of tuberculosis across the islands.
