In a nationwide effort to combat tuberculosis (TB), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a 100-day intensified campaign to screen and treat TB cases in prisons, beginning December 7, 2024. Recognizing prisons as high-risk zones due to overcrowding and confined spaces, the initiative aims to curb TB transmission among inmates and staff while mitigating public health risks posed by released prisoners and visitor interactions.
From February 3 to February 15, 2025, screening camps, branded as “Nikshay Shivir,” will be organized in all prisons, coordinated with State Health Departments and District TB Officers. Prior to the camps, a pledge-taking event, “Ni-kshay Shapath,” will be conducted between January 27 and February 2 to raise awareness about TB’s prevention, symptoms, and cure.
“Prisons have the potential to become breeding grounds for TB transmission, exacerbating the disease burden and risking public health,” the MHA noted in its advisory, underscoring the urgency of intervention.
In addition to screenings, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials will be displayed in prison facilities, and staff will undergo training to recognize and manage TB effectively. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has provided comprehensive guidelines to support these activities.
Doctors and healthcare professionals are encouraged to collaborate with prison authorities and TB officers to amplify the impact of this campaign, marking a significant step toward India’s TB elimination goals.
