Goa is stepping up its initiatives under the National Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Program, aiming to become India’s first TB-free state. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane expressed confidence in the state's progress, emphasizing a unified and patient-centered approach to combat TB.
A key component of the campaign is the full-scale implementation of the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, which offers direct financial support to TB patients for nutritional needs. The government is actively gathering bank account details to guarantee smooth and timely fund transfers.
To improve patient care and reduce TB-related deaths, the state is deploying dedicated medical staff—including Medical Officers, Community Health Officers (CHOs), and AYUSH doctors—across all Primary Health Institutions. These professionals are responsible for continuous monitoring and support.
Goa has strengthened contact tracing and early diagnosis. Every household contact of a TB patient is now screened and entered into the Nikshay portal. High-risk individuals undergo chest X-rays, with rapid report uploads enabling early intervention.
Geo-tagging technology is being used to monitor the treatment progress of each TB patient, ensuring better compliance. Under the Differentiated TB Care model, CHOs conduct bi-weekly home visits, provide treatment incentives, and record progress through the Nikshay platform.
The government is pushing for TB-free Panchayats by meeting six mandated criteria, with weekly status reports submitted to the Directorate of Health Services.
Community involvement is a key driver of the initiative, with active partnerships among local authorities, healthcare workers, and residents to raise awareness and boost case detection.
While the state continues to register around 2,000 new TB cases each year and faces a mortality rate above the national average, its comprehensive, multi-pronged approach reflects a strong resolve to achieve a TB Mukt Goa by 2025.