India Aims to Eradicate TB by 2027: Union Minister Nadda Unveils Mission-Mode Healthcare Reforms

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Union Health Minister JP Nadda has called for a mission-mode overhaul of India's healthcare system, with a focus on eliminating tuberculosis by 2027. Nadda made the announcement during a high-level review meeting in New Delhi, which brought together health ministers and senior officials from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. At the meeting, Nadda emphasized the importance of robust drug regulation, citing the need for continuous monitoring of the entire supply chain to ensure quality and safety. He also highlighted the need to promote best practices in regulation and strengthen regulatory supervision and compliance. The health minister also directed both states to strengthen their supply-chain systems and bridge monitoring gaps under the Free Drugs and Free Diagnostics schemes. He informed that the Ministry is working with IIM Ahmedabad to enhance logistics, transparency, and accountability in drug and diagnostic procurement. Nadda stressed that quality diagnostics and timely testing are crucial for effective healthcare delivery, and must be strengthened across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. He also encouraged both states to integrate telemedicine platforms more deeply into routine service delivery to expand access to quality healthcare, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Reiterating the government's commitment to eliminate TB by 2027, Nadda called for district-specific interventions with intensified screening, diagnostics, treatment adherence, and nutritional support. He emphasized that TB elimination must be pursued in mission mode with close monitoring at district and block levels. The Union minister also proposed sensitization workshops for MLAs, encouraging them to actively engage with block medical officers and chief medical officers through regular reviews. He underlined the importance of Jan Bhagidari (people's participation) in improving healthcare outcomes, ensuring accountability, and building public trust in government health programmes. Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Public Health and Medical Education Rajendra Shukla and Chhattisgarh Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education Shyam Bihari Jaiswal assured that the state governments would work closely with the Union health ministry to strengthen implementation and outcomes. Nadda reiterated the Centre's support through National Health Mission interventions, PPP models, medical education expansion, viability gap funding, and infrastructure support mechanisms to ensure accessible, affordable, and modern healthcare systems in both Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to strengthen drug regulation, improve diagnostics, professionalize hospital administration, expand medical education capacity, and accelerate progress towards a TB-free India. This marks a significant step towards cooperative federalism in public health.