Punjab’s TB gains underscore prevention gap in India’s elimination drive

Punjab’s tuberculosis control programme is showing measurable gains in treatment outcomes, yet public health experts warn that inadequate preventive coverage could slow progress toward elimination targets.

State data indicate treatment success rates nearing 90% for drug-sensitive TB, reflecting improvements in diagnostics, adherence monitoring and public health coordination. High-performing districts have surpassed these benchmarks, underscoring the impact of targeted interventions and improved surveillance systems.

Despite these gains, preventive therapy remains largely restricted to household contacts of TB patients, leaving broader vulnerable populations underserved. Public health officials note that expanding preventive treatment, scaling screening and strengthening private-sector referrals will be critical to breaking transmission chains.

Experts emphasise that India’s TB elimination strategy must evolve from treatment-centric response to proactive prevention, particularly in high-density and economically vulnerable communities where undetected transmission persists.