Tamil Nadu’s Health Minister K.G. Arunraj announced that the state identified 48,469 tuberculosis cases in the initial six months of 2026. All diagnosed individuals have been promptly placed on treatment. The government plans to enhance surveillance, early diagnosis, and community involvement to make Tamil Nadu tuberculosis-free.
Arunraj chaired a meeting with district deputy directors of tuberculosis to evaluate the National TB Elimination Programme’s progress in the state. He emphasized the importance of intensifying case detection, improving treatment outcomes, and enhancing coordination among program stakeholders.
During the review, Arunraj revealed that Tamil Nadu had detected 48,469 TB patients from January to June this year through intensified surveillance, following the identification of 93,203 cases in 2025. All patients diagnosed in 2026 have been enrolled for treatment and are under the state’s TB control program.
The minister stressed the significance of early diagnosis and urged officials to conduct active case-finding campaigns in high-risk areas. He recommended the use of chest X-rays and molecular diagnostic tests for early infection identification, facilitating prompt treatment and reducing disease transmission.
Arunraj also highlighted the importance of providing preventive treatment to individuals in close contact with TB patients. He underscored the need for timely intervention to protect high-risk individuals, break the transmission chain, and reduce the disease burden.
