Rajasthan: Rajasthan has taken a major step forward in its public health efforts by announcing that 6,547 gram panchayats across the state have been identified as TB-free centres, marking a significant milestone in the fight against tuberculosis. However, this status is still awaiting final approval from the central government before it is officially confirmed.
The move is part of the state’s long-term goal to achieve complete tuberculosis elimination at the grassroots level, particularly in rural and semi-rural regions where access to healthcare has traditionally been more challenging. Officials from the health department say this achievement is the result of years of continuous groundwork involving mass TB screening, early diagnosis, regular follow-ups, and strong community participation.
According to health authorities, the selected gram panchayats were not declared TB-free casually. Each one had to meet strict benchmarks under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). These include treatment success rates of more than 85%, proper reporting of TB cases, and effective implementation of nutritional support schemes for patients undergoing treatment. Only after meeting these conditions were the panchayats marked for consideration.
However, officials have clarified that the declaration is currently provisional in nature, as it requires validation and final clearance from the central government. Once approved, Rajasthan is expected to emerge as one of the leading states in India’s TB control programme.
A key factor behind this progress has been the coordinated work of district health teams, ASHA workers, and frontline medical staff, who have played a crucial role in identifying suspected TB cases and ensuring that patients complete their treatment. Regular door-to-door surveys and village-level screening camps have helped detect infections early, which has been critical in preventing the spread of the disease in rural areas.
The state has also strengthened its patient support system. TB patients are provided with free medicines, nutritional assistance, and continuous health monitoring through the Nikshay digital platform, which tracks treatment progress in real time. Officials believe this combination of medical care and nutritional support has significantly improved recovery rates.
Over the years, Rajasthan’s approach to TB control has shifted from isolated treatment efforts to a more community-driven model, where awareness campaigns and local involvement play a central role. This change has helped reduce stigma around the disease and encouraged more people to come forward for testing and treatment.
Public health experts have described this development as a major achievement in India’s broader TB elimination mission, especially considering the large number of panchayats involved. At the same time, they caution that sustained efforts will be needed to maintain these results, including continuous monitoring, funding support, and strong local engagement.
The state government has also indicated that this is not the final phase. More gram panchayats are currently being evaluated for inclusion in future lists of TB-free centres. Rajasthan has already been recognised at the national level for its progress in TB control, and this latest announcement further strengthens its position as a key performer in rural healthcare improvement.
Overall, the identification of 6,547 TB-free gram panchayats reflects a major step forward in Rajasthan’s public health journey. It highlights how policy support, healthcare infrastructure, and active community participation can come together to tackle a serious disease like tuberculosis at scale.
