Question : Spike in Tuberculosis Cases

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether there has been spike in Tuberculosis (TB) cases after the lockdown and if so, details thereof;

(b) whether the Government is aware that there are multiple cases of dual incidence of COVID and TB in the country and if so, details thereof;

(c) whether TB cases are likely going unnoticed as a result of COVID, if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government is aware that TB annually claims as many lives in India as COVID has so far, if so, the details thereof;

(e) the measures being taken by the Government to ensure TB patients, who often have other co-morbidities, are appropriately targeted for COVID prevention and testing; and

(f) the progress made by the Government towards attaining the status of being TB free country?

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, a total of 18.03 lakh TB cases were notified against 24.04 lakh in 2019. Thus, there has been a 25% decline in TB notification. There is no evidence to suggest that there has been spike in Tuberculosis (TB) cases after the lockdown.

(b) & (c): To ensure that the TB-COVID comorbid cases are detected, the government has undertaken bidirectional screening of TB and COVID-19 patients, through States/ UTs . In Jan-Dec 2020, out of 18.03 lakh TB cases notified, 3848 (0.2%) dual TB COVID cases were reported.

(d): As reported by States in 2020, 89,823 deaths occurred due to TB. Reported deaths due to COVID-19 in 2020 were 1, 48,738.





(e): Bidirectional screening of TB cases for COVID disease and COVID patients for the presence of TB disease were advised and as a result of these 4.53 lakhs notified TB cases were tested for COVID(Period Jan to December 2020). Government has protocol for addressing other co-morbidities and risk factors for TB such as HIV, Diabetes, use of tobacco and alcohol under the NTEP.

(f): The Government of India has developed a National Strategic Plan (2017-25) for Ending TB in the country by 2025.The key focus areas are:
• Early diagnosis of all the TB patients, prompt treatment with quality assured drugs and treatment regimens along with suitable patient support systems to promote adherence.
• Engaging with the patients seeking care in the private sector.
• Prevention strategies including active case finding and contact tracing in high risk / vulnerable population
• Airborne infection control.
• Multi-sectoral response for addressing social determinants.

As per Global TB Report, India has reduced the estimated incidence from 217/lakh population in 2015 to 193/lakh population in 2019.