This national strategic plan (NSP) formulated by the Central Tuberculosis Division to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025 aims to fight the bacteria by better detection, treatment, prevention, and strengthening policies.

Doctors in the field, however, say the war against TB has to be started from the ground level — by teaching the most basic coughing and sneezing etiquettes — to prevent the spread. While medical practitioners have lauded the government setting itself a deadline, they feel that elimination of TB is an impractical and unachievable goal. TB is an airborne bacteria which has already mutated and become drug resistant. If at all, we should aim at preparing ourselves in such a way that it doesn’t affect us. This can only be done by building better immunity and imparting knowledge among people about the spread of the disease.