TB mortality has declined, dropping from 5.5% in 2015 to 4.5% in 2024.
The number of tuberculosis (TB) patients in Maharashtra is on the rise, according to the latest report released by the Central TB Elimination Department. Over the past decade, TB cases in the state have increased by 25.7% (nearly 26%). However, there is some relief as TB-related deaths have shown a decline during this period. As per the report, Maharashtra ranks second in the country for the highest number of TB cases. The state health department has attributed the rise in cases to an increase in TB testing.
Mortality Rate Falls by 1%
The Central TB Elimination Department published data comparing TB cases across states from 2015 to 2024. The report shows a sharp increase in TB cases in Maharashtra. In 2015, the state recorded 1,82,974 patients, which rose to 2,30,163 by 2024. Despite this, TB mortality has declined, dropping from 5.5% in 2015 to 4.5% in 2024. Uttar Pradesh currently tops the list with the highest number of TB cases in the country at 6,81,779 in 2024, followed by Maharashtra, while Bihar ranks third with 2,04,309 cases.
Why Cases Are Increasing
A senior official from the State TB Elimination Department explained that under the TB Mukt Abhiyan (TB-Free Campaign), several initiatives have been rolled out, including door-to-door TB screening. Earlier, TB testing was limited to hospitals and centers, but now health workers conduct household screenings across all districts. With advanced diagnostic tools, TB patients are being identified much earlier. High-risk groups, particularly those in contact with TB patients, are also screened regularly.
BPaL Treatment for MDR-TB Patients
According to the TB Elimination Department, over 1,000 multi-drug-resistant (MDR) TB patients in Maharashtra have begun receiving the BPaL regimen. Earlier, patients had to take more than 10 medications daily for 20 to 24 months. Under the new BPaL treatment, only a four-drug combination pack is given — consisting of Pretomanid, Linezolid, Bedaquiline, and Moxifloxacin — for just six months.
Gujarat Leads in TB Elimination
Meanwhile, Gujarat has emerged as the best-performing state in TB elimination. Under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the state has not only intensified large-scale screening but also ensures free treatment for patients, making it a frontrunner in the national campaign.
 patients in Maharashtra is on the rise, according to the latest report released by the Central TB Elimination Department. Over the past decade, TB cases in the state have increased by 25.7% (nearly 26%). However, there is some relief as TB-related deaths have shown a decline during this period. As per the report, Maharashtra ranks second in the country for the highest number of TB cases. The state health department has attributed the rise in cases to an increase in TB testing.){kind=link}