(a) whether the Government propose to prepare programme for the eradication of TB disease from the country on the line of Polio;
(b) if so, the salient features of the programme; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
(a) whether the Government propose to prepare programme for the eradication of TB disease from the country on the line of Polio;
(b) if so, the salient features of the programme; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) to (c): TB is a wide spread disease. At this moment, it is technically not possible to eradicate it. The strategy being implemented, at present, is to control TB by expanding Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) in a phased manner. Under this programme, 8 out of 10 patients are being cured or are completing their treatment as against 4 out of 10 earlier. As on date, RNTCP covers 450 million population. It is proposed to cover 800 million population by 2004 and the entire country by 2005.