Question : Notification of TB Cases

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has expressed concern over the 60 percent decline in notification of TB cases during the lockdown period resulting in higher household transmission leading to spurt in cases;
(b) whether the Government has taken measures for normalization of TB disease eradication programme;
(c) if so, the details thereof and instructions issued to States to take immediate steps to see the rise in such cases and take suitable measures to restrict such cases; and
(d) the other steps taken by the Government in consultation with States in this regard?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a): For the period Jan to Dec 2020, 18.03 lakh TB cases were notified which is 25% less than 24.04 TB cases reported in 2019.Currently, there are no evidences to suggest that there are spurt in TB cases resulting from higher household transmission.
(b) to (d): Government has taken multiple measures for normalization of TB disease eradication programme:
i. Provision of free TB drugs of extended duration and door-step delivery
ii. Guidance on ensuring uninterrupted functioning of TB diagnostic laboratories.
iii. Issuing multiple advisories to States and districts to ensure uninterrupted services during COVID-19
iv. Guidance for Bi-directional TB-COVID screening and screening of TB among ILI/SARI cases issued to State/UTs.
v. Multiple reviews with State Government to monitor progress in implementation of National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).