CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: To give momentum to the campaign to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) from the country, the Union Health Minister has launched ‘JOSH’ teams. The initiative aims to make activities related to TB identification, timely testing, treatment and public awareness more effective. Through this, emphasis is being placed on strengthening health services and community participation to achieve the national goal of TB elimination.
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J. P. Nadda launched the teams on October 8, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. In the first phase, ‘JOSH’ teams have been deployed in 55 districts across 11 states and Union territories. Volunteers of ‘MY Bharat’, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and government officials will work together under the initiative.
‘JOSH’ stands for ‘Joint Squad for Health’. These teams will create awareness among people in villages, wards and local communities about TB symptoms, prevention, timely testing and regular treatment. They will also focus on removing misconceptions and social discrimination linked to the disease, and on encouraging patients to complete their treatment. Arrangements have also been made for monitoring and reporting campaign activities through digital platforms.
The government’s goal is to move faster towards making India TB-free before 2030. By increasing youth participation in this campaign, efforts are being made to strengthen the reach of health services and make communities more aware.
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