Tuberculosis incidence in Karnataka drops by 40% from 2015 baseline
TB incidence reduced by 40%: 176 cases/lakh (2015) to 104 cases/lakh (2024).
TB deaths decreased from 5,115 (2023) to 3,711 (2024).
Total notifications in 2024: 78,018 (28,280 private).
Challenges:
- Missed cases due to poor reporting by private practitioners.
- 60% symptomatic individuals avoid care due to stigma.
- 46% of TB patients under NTEP are undernourished.
100-Day TB Detection Campaign launched on Dec 7, 2024, under NTEP.
National Goals:
- 80% decline in TB incidence and 90% decline in deaths by 2025.
- Zero catastrophic expenditure for TB patients.
Karnataka ranks 10th nationally in TB-HIV positivity; co-infection treatment success rate: 75%.
Rao Committee to Assess Taluk Backwardness in Karnataka
Background:
- M Govind Rao Committee set up on March 16, 2024, under Siddaramaiah government.
- Functions as a follow-up to the Dr. DM Nanjundappa Committee (report submitted in 2002, implemented since 2007).
Nanjundappa Committee Findings (2001):
- 175 taluks categorized:
- 35 backward, 40 more backward, 39 most backward.
- Regional distribution of most backward taluks:
- 21 in Kalaburagi, 5 in Belagavi, 11 in Bengaluru, and 2 in Mysuru divisions
Current Task of Rao Committee:
- Assess progress made in 236 taluks (current number after increase from 176).
- Reclassify taluks into backward, more backward, and most backward.
Key Delays:
Committee became functional only in September 2024, delayed by Lok Sabha elections.