Mumbai’s Drug-Resistant TB Treatment Success Rate Rises to 80%
Mumbai, 22nd March 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has increased the success rate of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) treatment in Mumbai to 80%, doubling in the past eight years. This achievement is attributed to improved diagnostic services, new drug treatment methods, and continuous support provided by BMC’s Health Department.
Under the TB Free Mumbai Campaign, BMC has implemented a division-wise action plan aimed at achieving a TB Free District and TB Free Mumbai. As of 2024, Mumbai recorded 60,633 TB cases, with 53,638 residing in the city. Among these, 38% were non-pulmonary TB cases, 6% pediatric, and 9% drug-resistant cases.
Key Initiatives for TB Control:
1. 100 Days Campaign:
Launched in 26 BMC wards from December 7, 2024, to March 24, 2025, to accelerate TB detection and reduce mortality.
Over 1.5 million high-risk individuals surveyed, with 60,944 NAAT tests conducted and mobile X-ray vans deployed.
2. Upgraded Diagnostic Facilities:
44 CBNAAT and 34 TruNAAT machines provide free diagnostic services.
GTB Hospital’s Culture and DST lab has been upgraded to an Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL), processing 50-60 tests daily.
Kasturba Hospital has expanded its TB diagnostic capacity.
3. Differentiated TB Care:
High-risk TB patients receive tailored care, improving treatment outcomes.
11,349 TB patients registered under this initiative.
4. BPaLM Regimen for Drug-Resistant TB:
31 public and private clinics offer free anti-TB treatment.
The new six-month BPaLM regimen has been introduced for Rifampicin/MDR-TB patients, with 43 patients already receiving treatment.
5. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS):
WGS, a cutting-edge molecular test, identifies mutations for 18 anti-TB drugs.
BMC has conducted a pilot trial on 2,484 samples.
6. Handheld X-ray Machines:
24 handheld X-ray machines provided by the State TB Department are aiding faster diagnosis.
7. Preventing TB Spread:
An adult BCG vaccination program began in December 2024, resulting in 16,735 beneficiaries receiving the vaccine by March 2025.
8. GTB Hospital Upgrades:
Facilities added include a 10-bed Intensive Respiratory Care Unit (IRCU), Pediatric TB Ward, Palliative Ward, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Centre, and Modular OT services.
9. Nutritional Support:
Under the Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative, TB patients receive nutritional food for six months to boost immunity.
In the last two years, 1,18,633 beneficiaries have received food support.
World TB Day 2025 Activities:
BMC has planned awareness campaigns across 26 wards, including bike rallies, marathons, street plays, health lectures, and jingles. Special programs will target individuals in close contact with TB patients.
Recognizing TB Symptoms:
BMC has highlighted 10 key TB symptoms: persistent cough (over two weeks), fever, weight loss, night sweats, loss of appetite, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, fatigue, and neck lumps. Citizens experiencing these symptoms are urged to seek free check-ups at BMC hospitals.
The theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2025 is “Yes! We Can Definitely End TB: Pledge, Provide, Serve.”
