Assam Witnesses Steady Rise in Tuberculosis Cases Linked to Enhanced Testing Initiatives
In Guwahati, health officials report a consistent upward trend in diagnosed Tuberculosis (TB) cases across Assam over the past four years, primarily driven by intensified testing efforts launched in 2022. Prior to this period, the state recorded fewer TB cases, but recent data highlights a significant shift in detection rates.
Detailed Case Numbers Reflect Testing Impact
The annual diagnosed patient counts reveal a clear pattern: 47,308 cases in 2022, followed by an increase to 50,989 in 2023. In 2024, there was a slight dip to 50,214, but numbers rebounded to 52,061 in 2025. Health authorities interpret this rise not as a surge in disease prevalence but as a positive outcome of more rigorous and widespread testing protocols implemented statewide.
Health Officials Emphasize Testing as Key Strategy
Umesh Phangcho, Director of Health Services in Assam, underscored the critical importance of expanding testing to identify undiagnosed cases. "Our main objective is to increase testing, as we do not want people to continue living with undiagnosed TB," he stated. Phangcho advocated for raising the annualized presumptive TB examination rate to further alleviate the disease burden in Assam.
Supporting his call, testing data shows a substantial growth: from 842 tests in 2022 to 1,841 in 2023, then 2,271 in 2024, and reaching 2,511 in the most recent year. "Despite the rising numbers, it would be very encouraging if we could increase the number of tests to 3,000–4,000 per lakh population. I hope we can achieve this target this year," Phangcho added, expressing optimism about meeting this goal.
Infrastructure and Support Systems Strengthen TB Fight
Assam's robust healthcare infrastructure plays a pivotal role in the eradication campaign. The state boasts:
- 964 TB detection centres
- 265 testing sites
- 180 X-ray centres
- 81 AI-enabled handheld X-ray units
Additionally, there is one Intermediate Reference Laboratory in Guwahati and one culture and drug susceptibility testing (CDST) laboratory in Silchar. A network of 13,736 Nikshay Mitras provides essential support, including nutritional food kits, diagnostic aid, and vocational assistance to consenting TB patients.
Media's Role in Public Awareness and Eradication Efforts
As part of the 'Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan', Phangcho highlighted the media's crucial role in collaborating with health missions. "The media should help educate the public about TB and its symptoms," he urged, emphasizing that timely identification and treatment are vital for making Assam completely TB-free. Officials remain hopeful that these combined efforts will strengthen disease control and move the state closer to eradication.
