Sri Vijaya Puram, May 18: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s intensified campaign under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has screened nearly 20,000 people across the islands within less than two months, with health authorities expanding outreach to remote and vulnerable communities through mobile camps, handheld X-ray screening and public participation initiatives.
According to data released by the Administration, a total of 19,895 people have attended Ayushman Arogya Shivirs conducted across the islands between March 24 and May 10 as part of the ongoing “100 Days Intensified Campaign” launched under the national TB elimination programme.
The campaign, inaugurated in the islands on World TB Day 2026, focuses on early detection of tuberculosis, reduction in TB-related deaths, prevention through screening of vulnerable groups, and community participation aimed at reducing stigma surrounding the disease.
Officials said 582 Ayushman Arogya Shivirs have so far been conducted across urban, rural and congregate settings, including remote and hard-to-reach regions. Of these, 143 camps were organised in urban areas, 439 in rural locations, and several others in congregate and special settings.
During the campaign period, 6,323 chest X-rays and 1,358 NAAT diagnostic tests were conducted, while 4,943 people were enrolled under the Ni-kshay TB monitoring system.
Health authorities said the campaign is integrating TB detection with broader healthcare screening by combining non-communicable disease services such as blood pressure monitoring, diabetes screening, BMI assessment and anaemia testing at outreach camps.
One of the key features of the initiative has been the deployment of mobile outreach teams to geographically isolated parts of the Nicobar district. Between May 13 and 15, health teams travelled by boat, dinghy and hoodi to conduct Ayushman Arogya Shivirs at Afra Bay, Pillolou Village in Little Nicobar Island, Chingen Village, Shastri Nagar and GREF Camp in Campbell Bay region.
Officials said the camps specifically targeted vulnerable populations living in remote areas with limited healthcare access. During the outreach drive, chest X-ray screening was carried out using handheld X-ray machines to identify possible tuberculosis cases at an early stage.
A total of 109 individuals were screened during the Campbell Bay outreach activities conducted under the guidance of the Primary Health Centre authorities. Village Captains and local community representatives also participated in the programme.
The Administration said the campaign follows a “Whole-of-Society” and “Whole-of-Government” approach, encouraging involvement of elected representatives, educational institutions, line departments and civil society groups.
As part of the awareness component, 81 Jan Bhagidari activities have been conducted so far, involving 161 elected representatives, including members of Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies. Awareness drives have also been organised in schools, colleges, government departments and corporate institutions.
In Mayabunder, a health awareness programme held at Dr. R.P. Hospital on National Dengue Day also integrated TB awareness activities under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan 2.0 campaign. Officials used the platform to sensitise participants about TB prevention, early detection and treatment adherence while also promoting sanitation, mosquito control and digital health awareness through ABHA cards.
Healthcare workers were briefed on community-based prevention strategies and identifying early symptoms of communicable diseases, while residents were urged to adopt hygienic practices and eliminate mosquito breeding sources.
The Administration said the campaign particularly targets high-risk groups, including senior citizens above 60 years, undernourished individuals, diabetics, smokers, alcohol users, close contacts of TB patients and people with a prior TB history.
Authorities have appealed to citizens to actively participate in the programme, spread awareness that TB is preventable and curable, and support affected patients through the Nikshay Mitra initiative, which provides nutritional and psychosocial assistance.
Officials said the campaign aims to bridge healthcare access gaps in the islands through proactive community outreach and integration of healthcare services, especially in geographically challenging regions.
The Administration reiterated its commitment to achieving a TB-free Andaman and Nicobar Islands through sustained public health interventions, active surveillance and community participation.
