Panaji, July 3, 2025 – In a decisive move to eliminate tuberculosis (TB), the Government of Goa has launched a statewide, multi-pronged public health campaign with the goal of becoming India’s first TB-free state by 2025. The campaign, part of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), combines grassroots community engagement, financial aid, and digital health monitoring to tackle TB head-on.
Leadership and Vision
Goa’s Health Minister Vishwajit Rane highlighted the government’s commitment to a “unified and patient-centered approach” in the fight against TB. He reaffirmed that the state is investing in both infrastructure and human resources to ensure no TB patient is left behind.
“We are on track to achieve TB Mukt Goa,” said Rane. “Through coordinated efforts and accountability at every level, our vision is not just a reduction in TB, but total eradication.”
Nikshay Poshan Yojana: Supporting Patients, Nutritionally and Financially
A key pillar of the campaign is the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme that provides nutritional support to TB patients. The government is actively collecting bank account details to ensure timely and transparent fund disbursement.
This move not only addresses malnutrition-related vulnerabilities but also builds trust and continuity in treatment adherence.
Strengthening Health Infrastructure and Monitoring
To improve TB care, the government has deployed:
- Medical Officers
- Community Health Officers (CHOs)
- AYUSH doctors
These professionals are placed across all Primary Health Institutions and tasked with continuous care, follow-ups, and home-based support.
Under the Differentiated TB Care Model, CHOs:
- Conduct bi-weekly home visits
- Dispense treatment incentives
- Record patient progress through the Nikshay portal
Each TB patient’s treatment progress is now geo-tagged, providing real-time tracking and improving accountability across the system.
Contact Tracing and Early Detection
Goa has also tightened its contact tracing protocols:
- Every household contact of a TB patient is screened
- High-risk individuals receive chest X-rays
- Results are rapidly uploaded to the Nikshay system for early intervention
These measures significantly reduce diagnosis delays and enable faster medical response.
TB-Free Panchayats: Grassroots Movement in Action
The campaign also aims to create TB-Free Panchayats, with each panchayat required to meet six health criteria to qualify. Weekly updates are submitted to the Directorate of Health Services, ensuring continuous progress tracking.
Community partnerships are central to this initiative. Healthcare workers, local authorities, and residents collaborate to raise awareness, boost case detection, and foster a collective sense of responsibility.
A Long Road, but Strong Resolve
Despite registering around 2,000 new TB cases annually and facing a mortality rate higher than the national average, Goa’s comprehensive strategy reflects a determined and hopeful trajectory.
By integrating technology, community care, and financial support, the state is not just managing TB — it is moving toward eliminating it.
The Goal: TB Mukt Goa by 2025
With firm leadership, innovation, and grassroots mobilization, Goa is rewriting the narrative on tuberculosis in India. The state’s journey toward a TB-free future stands as a model for other regions to emulate.
