Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J P Nadda, delivered a keynote address focused on lung health screening during the recent World Health Assembly held in Geneva on May 20. The event, entitled “Ministerial Perspectives on Lung Health Screening,” was part of a series of initiatives led by the Stop TB Partnership, with India co-hosting alongside Japan, the Philippines, and Zambia. Nadda stressed that prompt screening and early diagnosis are crucial components in establishing resilient, people-centred health systems.

In his remarks, Nadda underscored that enhancing lung health screening transcends just technological advancements or diagnostic tools. He asserted that it is fundamentally about saving lives, alleviating suffering, preventing severe financial burdens, protecting livelihoods, and fortifying healthcare systems.

India’s Commitment to Tuberculosis Elimination

During the address, the Union Health Minister highlighted India’s commitment to eradicating tuberculosis through the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme. Under this initiative and the vision of “TB-Mukt Bharat,” India has launched one of the largest screening and early detection efforts globally. He elaborated that the country has engaged in extensive outreach initiatives, including house-to-house visits, mobile screening units, community campaigns, and targeted activities in high-risk populations.

Nadda praised India’s strides in modern diagnostics for tuberculosis and related lung illnesses. He indicated that the country employs various advanced testing methods, including molecular testing platforms and digital chest X-ray services. Moreover, the deployment of artificial intelligence-assisted tools and handheld screening devices has been crucial in mitigating delays in diagnosis, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

The Minister asserted that the principles of innovation must prioritise equity, advocating for technologies that effectively reach the most remote communities.

Digital Innovations and Global Collaboration

In terms of technological advancements, Nadda pointed out the introduction of the TB Mukt Bharat App, which features “Khushi,” an AI-enabled, multilingual chatbot accessible on basic smartphones. This platform provides immediate assistance regarding symptoms, entitlements, and nearby diagnostic facilities, thereby helping to close the gap between symptom identification and timely medical care.

Moreover, Nadda articulated the necessity for enhanced international cooperation to improve lung health on a global scale. He proposed several key priorities, including integrating lung health within Universal Health Coverage frameworks, improving access to affordable diagnostics and screening technologies, and bolstering primary healthcare systems for respiratory health. He also called for fostering innovation, domestic manufacturing, and technology transfer alongside sustainable funding for tuberculosis prevention and early detection.

Reaffirming India’s commitment to achieving tuberculosis elimination ahead of global benchmarks, Nadda mentioned that the fight against TB could serve as a pathway toward improved health systems, better diagnostic capacities, cleaner environments, enhanced nutrition, and equitable societies. He urged the international community to advance from delayed diagnosis to timely detection, shift from fragmented services to fully integrated care, and transition from mere disease management to comprehensive health system transformation.

Concluding his address, Nadda expressed India’s readiness to collaborate with global partners, innovators, development agencies, and local communities to promote effective and scalable solutions for lung health screening worldwide.

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