664 deaths due to TB in TG in 2024, showing slight drop

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a significant public health challenge in India, with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh witnessing 664 and 825 deaths respectively reported in the first half of 2024.  The statistics were tabled in the Lok Sabha on July 26, 2024, by Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel.
In Telangana, the number of TB-related deaths has seen fluctuations. The State recorded 1,850 deaths in 2019, which rose to 2,392 in 2020. However, there was a decrease in subsequent years, with 1,876 deaths in 2021 and 1,759 in 2022. The trend continued with a slight drop to 1,659 deaths in 2023 and 664 deaths reported in the first half of 2024.
Andhra Pradesh also reflects a concerning pattern. The State reported 3,636 TB-related deaths in 2019, which slightly decreased to 3,585 in 2020. There was a significant drop in 2021, with 2,490 deaths, followed by 2,223 in 2022. The trend continued downward with 1,484 deaths in 2023 and 825 deaths in the first half of 2024.
On a national scale, TB remains a critical health issue, with Uttar Pradesh reporting the highest number of TB deaths. The State recorded 13,424 deaths in 2019, escalating to 18,409 in 2020. The numbers slightly decreased in subsequent years, with 14,913 deaths in 2021, 16,500 in 2022, and 15,178 in 2023. The first half of 2024 saw 9,114 deaths.
Among Indian states, Telangana ranks 13th in TB mortality, while Andhra Pradesh standing at 8th. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal are among the states with the highest TB mortality rates.
The growth rate of TB deaths in Telangana from 2019 to 2023 is approximately -10.33%, indicating a decline over the period. In Andhra Pradesh, the growth rate is about -59.19%, showing a significant reduction in TB mortality. Nationally, the growth rate of TB deaths over the same period is about 13.05%.
The government, recognising the gravity of the TB epidemic, has implemented several measures under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). This includes free screening, diagnosis, and treatment for all TB patients in public health facilities and identified private healthcare facilities. The programme also emphasises continued disease surveillance and preventive measures, including vaccination wherever applicable.
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