Chandigarh, May 8: A massive screening effort across Haryana has resulted in the identification of 10,978 new tuberculosis cases in just 30 days. Health Minister Arti Singh Rao affirmed that the state government is leveraging modern technology to ensure early diagnosis and prevent the further spread of the respiratory ailment.
The campaign, which launched in late March, utilizes an “Active Case Finding” model to reach residents in remote and high-risk areas. Rao stated that the integration of artificial intelligence has given new momentum to the fight against the disease, allowing health workers to conduct instant screenings in the field.
“Large-scale awareness campaigns, modern technology and community participation have given new momentum to the fight against TB,” the Health Minister declared. She maintained that the state is no longer relying solely on voluntary clinic visits but is instead bringing diagnostic tools directly to the public.
Dr. R.S. Dhillon, Mission Director of the National Health Mission, asserted that the initiative has conducted nearly 50,000 tests since its inception. He noted that the use of geospatial mapping allowed the department to identify over 2,000 wards and villages requiring urgent attention. Dhillon affirmed that the campaign also addresses social barriers by involving public representatives to normalize TB testing.
The health department stated that the drive is being treated as a holistic health mission, with mobile units offering screenings for anemia and sugar levels alongside TB tests. Dhillon affirmed that the government remains committed to providing full treatment and support for every newly identified patient to ensure the successful eradication of the disease from the state.
