Telangana Wins National Award for TB Testing
Hyderabad: Telangana has won the national award for the best performance in Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) during a 100-day campaign. This award was given by Union Health Minister JP Nadda to RV Karnan and Dr. A Rajesham, Joint Director of TB Telangana, during the World TB Day 2025 celebrations at Vigyan Bhavan. NAAT is a highly accurate molecular test used for detecting TB, making it more reliable than traditional tests.
Following the Union government’s directive, Telangana launched an intensive 100-day campaign to reduce TB cases and deaths. The program was implemented in nine districts: Adilabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Medak, Nagarkurnool, Peddapalli, Suryapet, and Wanaparthy. These districts successfully screened more than 100% of their vulnerable populations, identifying over 4,600 new TB cases. A budget of Rs 3.6 crore was allocated from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to provide six months of nutritional support for TB patients.
To enhance TB detection, six portable AI-enabled handheld X-ray devices were purchased for screening in several districts, including Wanaparthy, Peddapalli, Mahabubnagar, Suryapet, and Bhadradri Kothagudem. Additionally, over Rs 5 crore was spent on Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments to provide nutritional support for TB patients.
Officials stated that the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2017–25 laid out strong strategies and resources to reduce TB cases and deaths, aiming for a TB-free India. Telangana remains committed to this goal and has made significant progress. In 2024, the state achieved 93% of its TB notification target and recorded a 91% success rate in TB treatment. The government continues to work towards eliminating TB by 2025.
