Medica leads TB awareness by unveiling strategies to combat the disease

21st March’24, Kolkata: In recognition of upcoming World Tuberculosis Day on 24th March’24, 

Medica Group of Hospitals, the leading private hospital chain in Eastern India, organized a press 

conference on 21st March, Thursday, at the Press Club, Kolkata. Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant 

public health challenge in India, with the highest global burden in terms of both cases and fatalities. 

India represents 28% of all TB cases globally. The event aimed to raise awareness about TB among 

the public, in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) theme ‘Yes! We can end TB’. Dr. 

Debraj Jash, Director, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medica Superspecialty Hospital 

shared crucial insights and essential facts about TB along with Dr. Saumitra Bharadwaj, Group 

Chief Marketing Officer, Medica Superspecialty Hospital. They emphasized the importance of 

early detection, prompt treatment, and cleared the misconceptions surrounding the disease.

TB continues to pose a significant global health challenge, but concerted efforts are underway to 

achieve a TB-free India by 2030. Despite a marginal decline in TB cases from 22.4 lakhs in 2022 to 

22.3 Lakhs in 2023, much remains to be done to combat this infectious disease as official data 

revealed that while many individuals haven’t registered for the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, a vital 

financial program by the central government, some have yet to avail themselves of its benefits. The 

reporting of tuberculosis (TB) cases to government health centers is integral to disease surveillance 

and the implementation of effective public health measures. This ensures that individuals affected by 

TB receive appropriate care and that preventive interventions are swiftly deployed to halt transmission. 

In 2022, a landmark total of TB notifications was recorded, with the private sector contributing the 

highest ever count of 7,33,694 cases, amounting to 77.1% of the target set. This trend continued into 

2023, with the private sector reporting a further increase to 8,38,116 cases, reaching a record 89% of 

the target. 

Medical technology has transformed the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Procedures 

such as bronchoscopy and biopsy have enhanced diagnostic accuracy, particularly in cases involving 

lymph nodes, leading to timely interventions and better patient outcomes. TB treatment covers both 

drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains. Recent advancements in laboratory capabilities and 

technology have dramatically reduced diagnostic report turnaround time from 40 days to merely 2-3 

days, facilitating swift treatment initiation. Progress in treating TB, especially drug-resistant strains, 

has been notable. New drugs like Bedaquiline and Delamanid have reduced treatment duration from 

24 months (about 2 years) to just 9 months, with nearly perfect success rates. The availability of all 

oral medications further improves treatment accessibility and compliance.

While discussing tuberculosis (TB), Dr. Debraj Jash emphasized, "TB knows no economic 

boundaries; it can touch lives indiscriminately. Vigilance and notification to government centers are the 

strongest tools in combating its spread, facilitating coordinated public health responses. With 

advancements like Bronchoscopy, Sputum Smear Microscopy, and Biopsy, our ability to detect TB has 

markedly improved. To achieve the ambitious goal of a TB-free India by 2025, we must encourage 

patients to seek treatment and take prompt action after detection. It is important to remember that TB 

is not a death sentence; it's a curable condition."