Union Health Minister launches JOSH teams to accelerate TB elimination drive
67,933 Panchayats across 697 districts recognised as TB Mukt in 2026: Minister
The Union Health Ministry has launched JOSH teams, comprising youth volunteers from the National Cadet Corps and MY Bharat, to expedite the fight against tuberculosis (TB) elimination. These teams, under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, are set to conduct household-level outreach in 55 districts across 11 Indian States and Union Territories.
Health Minister J.P. Nadda inaugurated the JOSH initiative on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of active case finding, early diagnosis, and treatment completion for TB patients. Each JOSH team will consist of five NCC cadets and five MY Bharat volunteers, operating under a designated Class-I officer. The government aims to identify individuals with TB symptoms, encourage testing, and provide support to patients throughout their treatment journey.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Youth Affairs and Sports, and Defence are collaborating on this effort. The Health Minister highlighted the significance of raising awareness and conducting screenings, but also stressed the necessity of ensuring proper diagnosis and completion of treatment regimens. In recognition of the progress made, the government has felicitated 67,933 Panchayats across 697 districts that have been declared TB-free in 2026.
The JOSH initiative is anticipated to be expanded to additional districts following volunteer orientation and mobilization.
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