Patna: Bihar has screened over 2.36 crore people for tuberculosis (TB), exceeding the campaign target of one crore during a special drive held from July 2 to Aug 14. Officials said that 87,623 TB patients were detected, including 21,550 asymptomatic cases, during a sensitisation workshop on the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.Executive director, State Health Society, Bihar, Amit Kumar Pandey said the state is prioritising community-based screening, modern diagnostic tools and regular follow-up of patients to progress towards TB elimination. He added that 547 panchayats were certified as TB-free in 2025.Additional executive director Dr Anupama Singh said public-private partnerships were critical to the state’s TB elimination efforts, with private-sector participation in TB notifications reaching 62% as of August 13. She said Bihar has 487 fixed X-ray machines and 101 AI-enabled portable X-ray machines, besides 651 molecular diagnostic machines.Dr Singh added that accurate reporting could help dispel myths, reduce stigma and encourage timely testing and treatment.The state has also organised more than 5.4 lakh Ayushman Arogya Shivirs since March 24, 2026. Officials said the programme is focusing on daily medication, nutritional support under Nikshay Poshan Yojana, advanced diagnostics such as CBNAAT and Truenat, shorter regimens for drug-resistant TB and stronger engagement with private healthcare providers.Additional director-cum-state programme officer (TB) Dr B K Mishra said timely diagnosis, uninterrupted treatment and continuous monitoring were essential to prevent drug resistance.The workshop was organised by the health department and State Health Society in collaboration with Global Health Strategies, WHO, Piramal Health and CFAR.
