The Gujarat government has announced a plan to offer “Ready-to-Eat Nutrition Snacks” to adult tuberculosis patients weighing less than 42 kilograms and all children under 14 years old. This initiative is part of the ‘TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ aimed at enhancing treatment outcomes. The decision was disclosed during a high-level review meeting at Lok Bhavan attended by Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, where officials assessed the state’s tuberculosis control strategies and future goals.
To strengthen tuberculosis control efforts, Gujarat will acquire 100 new TrueNAT machines by 2026-27 for talukas and high-burden districts to ensure comprehensive NAAT testing. Additionally, 333 portable hand-held X-ray machines will be deployed for door-to-door screening of suspected TB patients. Governor Acharya Devvrat emphasized the need to transform the campaign against tuberculosis in Gujarat into a widespread movement, urging officials to maintain vigilance and enhance public awareness about the disease.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stressed the importance of delivering timely and optimal treatment to all tuberculosis patients through an efficient and precise system. The state government highlighted that tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment services are currently accessible free of charge at all sub-centers and government hospitals across Gujarat. Presently, the state operates 2,351 microscopy centers, three TB culture laboratories, 74 CBNAAT machines, and 386 TrueNAT machines to support tuberculosis control efforts.
Health and Family Welfare Department officials outlined future targets and readiness plans as part of the review meeting. The ‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ aligns with the nationwide initiative by the Union government to eradicate tuberculosis in India.
