J&K reports 12,554 TB cases in 10 months

 

Suhail Khan

 

Srinagar, Dec 09 : Jammu and Kashmir recorded 12,554 tuberculosis (TB) cases between January and October 2025, according to official data presented before Parliament on Tuesday.

 

The figures, sourced from the central Nikshay surveillance portal, highlight India’s persistent struggle with the world’s highest TB burden, even as the government emphasizes improvements in monitoring and reporting.

 

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as per Kashmir Convener referenced the World Health Organization’s Global TB Report 2025, which estimates India recorded approximately 2.17 million TB cases and 300,000 related deaths in 2024.

 

The ministry clarified that while WHO figures provide a national overview, they do not include state-level estimates. The only disaggregated data currently available comes from state and union territory reports submitted to the Nikshay portal.

 

The national breakdown reveals stark regional disparities. Uttar Pradesh reported the highest caseload with 604,726 cases during the ten-month period, followed by Maharashtra (188,653) and Bihar (180,203). Other high-burden states include Rajasthan (151,995), Madhya Pradesh (147,443), and Gujarat (111,909). By contrast, smaller regions such as Sikkim (1,045), Goa (1,597), and Ladakh (246) reported significantly fewer cases.

 

Officials stated that the 2025 data reflects a dual reality: intensified detection and notification efforts on one hand, and the ongoing challenge of reducing transmission—particularly in densely populated areas—on the other. The ministry described Nikshay data as dynamic, subject to updates as states continue to submit records.

 

Reaffirming its commitment to eliminating TB, the central government stated that enhanced diagnostic access, improved treatment adherence, and expanded community-level interventions remain central to its national strategy.

 

Speaking to Kashmir Convener, Health Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo affirmed the government’s resolve: “TB is a persistent challenge that demands urgent action. Our commitment to a TB-free Jammu and Kashmir is unwavering. With innovation and collective effort, we will prevail.”

 

Earlier this year, Chief Secretary Atal Dullo as per Kashmir Convener chaired a high-level review of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (TB-Free India Campaign).

 

Emphasizing early identification and comprehensive care, he urged health professionals to adopt a more hands-on approach—including personal adoption of cases, regular follow-ups, and individualized support—to ensure patient recovery.

 

 

 

Mr. Dullo stressed strengthening the network of ASHA workers to conduct home visits, providing at-home care and counselling to improve treatment adherence. Additionally, he called for an annual audit of TB-related deaths to identify systemic gaps and prevent avoidable fatalities.

 

He also directed the Health Department to integrate patient records with the Sehat App and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission portal for streamlined monitoring.

 

Providing an update on local efforts, Health and Medical Education Secretary Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah as per Kashmir Convener reported significant strides in surveillance and diagnostics.

 

He noted that Jammu and Kashmir has achieved 100% notification of TB cases—with 11,499 reported—and screened 92% of its vulnerable population, positioning the union territory among the country’s top performers.

 

“All District TB Centres are fully equipped to meet screening and treatment targets,” Dr. Shah said. “We are actively promoting doctor-led patient adoption and regular ASHA home visits to ensure sustained patient support and engagement.”