In a groundbreaking initiative to accelerate TB elimination efforts, healthcare leaders from corporate / private hospitals across Haryana gathered at Amrita Hospitals, Faridabad, on December 2, 2024. The meeting, which saw participation from major corporate hospitals, marked the launch of the "Consortium of Corporate Hospitals for a TB-Free Haryana."
Distinguished stakeholders, including hospital administrators, public health experts, and government representatives such as Director Health Service, DGHS (TB). Dr. Sanjay Mattoo – Central TB Division, Govt of India, CMO & DTO Faridabad participated in the discussion to effectively engage private healthcare sector to support NTEP Haryana in TB elimination effort.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Sanjay Mattoo said, "The formation of the Consortium for a TB-Free Haryana is a groundbreaking initiative that reflects the strength of public-private collaboration in addressing one of our most critical health challenges. Tuberculosis continues to affect countless lives, and through this partnership, we are ensuring that the resources, expertise, and commitment of corporate hospitals are effectively aligned with government efforts. This consortium not only strengthens our healthcare infrastructure but also brings innovative practices and standardized care to every corner of the state. By integrating the private sector's capabilities with public health systems, we are ensuring more timely diagnoses, effective treatments, and robust prevention strategies. Together, we are making a significant stride towards eliminating TB from Haryana, reducing the disease burden, and fostering a healthier, more prosperous future for our citizens."
Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Medical Director, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said, "The launch of this consortium is a pivotal moment in Haryana’s fight against tuberculosis. By uniting corporate hospitals under a shared vision, we are laying the groundwork for a systematic and collaborative approach to TB care, prevention, and elimination. At Amrita Hospital, we are honored to host this initiative and pledge our unwavering commitment to supporting the NTEP in achieving a TB-free Haryana. This effort is not just about medical intervention; it is about bringing accountability, compassion, and excellence in healthcare to the forefront of TB elimination."
Organized by the Association of Healthcare Providers (AHPI) with technical support from the Corporate TB Pledge initiative by The Union, as part of the USAID/India-supported iDEFEAT TB project, the event represents a pivotal step toward tuberculosis (TB) elimination efforts in Haryana through a unified, private sector-led approach. This initiative is being implemented under the guidance and support of the Central Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), underscoring the importance of public-private collaboration in the fight against TB.
India bears the world's highest tuberculosis (TB) burden, accounting for over 26% of newly diagnosed cases and one-third of global TB deaths, according to the Global TB Report 2024. Given that private healthcare accounts for diagnosing more than 50% of TB cases, this consortium underscores the vital role of corporate hospitals to contribute to the nation's fight against tuberculosis.
The consortium is designed to strengthen the commitment of private hospitals towards a TB-Free Haryana and advocating for systems such as STEPS (System for TB Elimination by Private Sector). STEPS is a model based on social responsibility of the private sector where both the sectors assume accountability to End TB and ensures STCI to all the clients reaching them.
The consortium will ensure sustained and strategic engagement of private healthcare sector for supporting NTEP, with a focus on:
- Standardizing TB Diagnosis and Treatment: Ensuring consistent, high-quality care for people affected with TB within private healthcare settings.
- Promoting Public Health Services: Strengthening measures such as contact tracing, TB prevention treatment, airborne infection control, and adherence support for TB patients, healthcare workers, and the broader community.
- Policy Advocacy and Review Mechanisms: Introducing a private-sector-led framework to enhance adherence to Standards of TB Care in India (STCI) and engaging in policy discussions.
Future Plans and Commitments
Participants concluded with a unanimous decision to formalize the consortium, develop an actionable roadmap, and conduct periodic reviews to monitor progress.
This collaborative effort represents a historic step towards mobilizing expertise and resources to make Haryana TB-free, reinforcing India’s mission to end tuberculosis.
