Political leaders pledge to work at national, state and district level strategies to ensure that the country achieves the Sustainable Development Goals to End TB
Former and current Members of Parliament from across party lines have signed a pledge to proactively fight tuberculosis (TB) in the country, as part of a Members of Parliament roundtable organised by the Global Coalition Against TB (GCAT). Reportedly, the political leaders present committed to work at the national, state and district level and strategies to ensure that the country achieves the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to End TB.
Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare; Dalbir Singh, President, GCAT; and leading Members of Parliament including Kalikesh Singh Deo and Jitin Prasada were present at the roundtable meet.
“Providing affordable health care to the population is a priority for the government and we are committed to achieving zero TB deaths in as short a time frame as possible. Our Government is working towards ensuring that the Revised National TB Control Programme is adequately funded in a timely manner and we utilise innovative health mechanisms to increase engagement with the private sector to provide quality TB care to all TB patients. TB Harega, Desh Jeetega,” said Nadda.
The Roundtable meeting served as a platform for political leaders to deliberate and discuss crucial interventions required to improve TB control in the country. Ensuring access to quality TB care, the lack of awareness, an under-prioritisation of TB and a low budget towards the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) has impeded TB control efforts.
“In 2014, it is estimated that more than two lakh Indians perished due to TB. It is heartening to see political leaders from across party lines expressing concern and pledging their support towards the cause that affects millions of lives. This is a landmark moment in TB control efforts for India and we hope to see positive policy changes in the near future,” said Singh.
“It is an unfortunate reality that India has the highest burden of a disease which is preventable and curable. While the efforts of successive governments have led to a substantial reduction of TB cases in the country, the magnitude of the problem demands an increased prioritisation of the disease. My fellow parliamentarians and I completely support the cause and we are committed to ensuring a TB-free India in the near future,” said Singh Deo.
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