India is sitting on a "tuberculosis (tb) time bomb", says the World Health Organization (who), 1995 report on the tb epidemic. About half the adult population in the country is reportedly suffering from the dreaded disease; every week, the disease claims some 10,000 lives, despite projects undertaken to control the disease as per who recommendations. The presence of multi-drug resistant strains of the disease in parts of Delhi, Bangalore and other areas has further alarmed researchers and health workers.

Outdated methods like X-ray examinations instead of sputum tests have only meant many tb cases going undiagnosed, helping the disease expand its footprint. who suggests that more Indian states set up pilot projects for tb prevention and cure, funded by the World Bank, donor countries and the states themselves.