Amrita Hospital Launches Consortium to Eliminate TB in Haryana

In a landmark initiative aimed at accelerating tuberculosis (TB) eradication, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, hosted the launch of the "Consortium of Corporate Hospitals for a TB-Free Haryana." This initiative unites private hospitals across the state to bolster Haryana’s efforts in eliminating TB, with the private healthcare sector playing a pivotal role.

The event saw the participation of key stakeholders, including Dr. Sanjay Mattoo from the Central TB Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with representatives from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Director Health Service, CMO and DTO Faridabad, public health experts, and corporate hospital administrators.

Dr. Mattoo, addressing the gathering, lauded the public-private collaboration as a significant step towards addressing TB. “The formation of the consortium is a testament to the strength of partnerships in tackling one of our most pressing health challenges. By integrating the resources and expertise of corporate hospitals with government initiatives, we can achieve more timely diagnoses, effective treatment, and robust prevention strategies. This is a significant stride towards eliminating TB, reducing its burden, and fostering a healthier future for Haryana’s citizens,” he stated.

Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Medical Director of Amrita Hospital, emphasised the importance of collaboration. “This consortium represents a pivotal moment in Haryana’s fight against tuberculosis. By uniting corporate hospitals under a shared vision, we are establishing a systematic and collaborative approach to TB care, prevention, and elimination. At Amrita Hospital, we are committed to supporting the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) and working towards a TB-free Haryana,” he said.

The consortium’s launch, facilitated by the Association of Healthcare Providers (AHPI) with technical support from The Union’s Corporate TB Pledge initiative under the USAID-supported iDEFEAT TB project, underscores the importance of a unified approach to TB eradication. India accounts for over 26 per cent of the world’s newly diagnosed TB cases and one-third of global TB deaths, according to the Global TB Report 2024. With private healthcare diagnosing more than 50 per cent of TB cases in India, this initiative highlights the critical role of the sector in the fight against the disease.

The consortium aims to:

• Standardise Diagnosis and Treatment: Ensure consistent, high-quality TB care within private healthcare settings.
• Promote Public Health Services: Strengthen measures like contact tracing, prevention treatment, airborne infection control, and adherence support for patients and healthcare workers.
• Advocate for Policy Reform: Introduce private-sector-led frameworks to enhance adherence to the Standards of TB Care in India (STCI).

The STEPS (System for TB Elimination by Private Sector) model, emphasising social responsibility and accountability in the private sector, forms the cornerstone of the consortium’s approach. The initiative also seeks to develop an actionable roadmap and conduct regular reviews to monitor progress..