Chandigarh

Haryana has made significant progress in its fight against Tuberculosis (TB), detecting 25,666 new patients during the ongoing 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Campaign (Phase-II) through large-scale active screening supported by artificial intelligence (AI).

The campaign, launched on World TB Day (March 24, 2026), reflects the state's commitment to identifying TB cases early and ensuring timely treatment to curb the spread of the disease, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Dr Sumita Misra said here on Wednesday.

Misra said that unlike conventional healthcare approaches that rely on patients visiting health facilities, the campaign focuses on Active Case Finding (ACF), with health teams reaching people in vulnerable and high-risk communities, including individuals who may not show symptoms, according to an official statement.

This proactive strategy has enabled the health department to identify thousands of patients who might otherwise have remained undiagnosed, she said.

A key feature of Haryana's campaign has been the extensive use of AI-powered technologies to improve screening and diagnosis. The state has deployed AI-enabled handheld X-ray machines capable of providing rapid screening results even in remote areas, she said.

In addition, the 'Cough Against TB' (CATB) mobile application uses AI to analyse cough sounds through smartphones and identify individuals who may require further testing. The department has also adopted Vulnerability Mapping (VM-TB) to identify 2,111 high-risk villages and urban wards, allowing health teams to conduct focused screening in areas most vulnerable to TB transmission.

Misra said that the campaign has recorded impressive achievements between March 24 and July 5 this year. During this period, the health department organised 3,914 health camps, including 2,854 camps in identified high-risk villages and urban wards.

The number of people screened was 4,73,197 while 2,25,321 chest X-rays and 1.25 lakh Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) diagnostic tests were conducted, leading to the diagnosis of 25,666 new TB patients.

To support patients during treatment, the government distributed 23,962 Poshan Kits, recognising the importance of adequate nutrition in TB recovery.

The campaign has witnessed strong grassroots involvement. Sixty-five 'Ni-kshay Vahans', functioning as mobile medical units, are delivering TB screening and diagnostic services in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.

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Public representatives, including MPs, MLAs and panchayati raj institution representatives, have actively participated in awareness drives, encouraging people to undergo testing and helping reduce the social stigma associated with the disease, Misra said.

TB screening has also been integrated with Ayushman Arogya Shivirs, enabling citizens to receive comprehensive health check-ups, including screening for TB, hypertension, diabetes, anaemia and other health conditions under a single platform.