PATNA: More than 87,600 tuberculosis (TB) cases were detected in Bihar during an intensive statewide screening campaign conducted between July 2 and August 14.According to state health department data, officials screened 2.36 crore people against the target of one crore during the campaign, news agency PTI reported.“More than 87,623 TB cases were detected during the screening and testing drive, including 21,550 people who showed no apparent symptoms of the disease,” additional executive director of the state health society, Bihar, Anupama Singh, said in a statement.Singh said Bihar was continuously strengthening its infrastructure for TB detection and diagnosis.The state currently has 491 digital X-ray machines, including 140 AI-powered ultraportable handheld X-ray machines, PTI reported.The diagnostic network also includes 768 binocular microscopes, 89 Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) machines and 562 Truenat machines, along with facilities for Line Probe Assay (LPA) and Culture Drug Susceptibility Testing (CDST) laboratories.“As many as 11,055 high-risk villages have been identified for priority TB detection, while more than 5.4 lakh camps have been organised since March 24, 2026,” she said.Singh said political and administrative commitment towards achieving TB-free panchayats and wards was being strengthened with the support and guidance of the governor.“The chief minister also reviews the progress regularly, while the chief secretary reviews the programme every week and provides necessary guidance,” she said.Of the 87,623 TB cases identified during the campaign, 74,871 patients, or 85%, have been assessed for differentiated TB care, she said.Bihar recorded an 88% treatment success rate in 2024, while the estimated TB mortality rate declined from 21 per lakh population in 2023 to 20 per lakh in 2024, Singh said.Under the TB-Free India Campaign, 547 panchayats in the state have achieved TB-free status after fulfilling all six criteria prescribed by the Union health and family welfare ministry, she said.The state is also focusing on TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) to prevent new infections, with the initiative being implemented across all 38 districts.(With agency inputs)
