Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): With 5,152 tuberculosis (TB) deaths reported in 2024, Madhya Pradesh ranks third in the country in terms of TB-related fatalities.
Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 14,229 deaths, followed by Maharashtra with 6,069, according to a reply from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in Parliament.
The ministry has set a target to make all states TB-free by 2025. The state government has launched a comprehensive drive to identify and diagnose TB patients.
The NIKSHAY – TB Notification Incentive scheme, launched by MoHFW, incentivizes private healthcare providers to report TB cases improving TB surveillance and treatment. Under the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY), financial assistance is provided to TB patients to support their nutritional needs.
So far this year, around 20,000 new TB patients have been identified in Madhya Pradesh. The National Health Mission (NHM), in coordination with the state health department, is conducting follow-ups to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment adherence.
According to doctors, TB prevalence remains high in districts such as Bhopal, Indore, Agar-Malwa, Barwani, Bhind, Burhanpur, Damoh, Datia, Dewas, and Dhar. Confirming MP’s third rank in TB deaths, Dr Manoj Verma, former state TB officer, said over 5,000 TB deaths were recorded in 2024.
“The biggest challenge is ensuring regular follow-ups and treatment consistency,” he stressed. Dr Lokendra Dave, head of pulmonary medicine at Gandhi Medical College, highlighted the importance of public awareness. “After diagnosis, patients must continue treatment.
Due to lack of awareness, many discontinue medication midway, leading to complications,” he said.
